THE  CHRISTIAN  MINISTRY  A  WORK  FOR  THE  GOSPEL'S  SAKE. 


SEEMON 


DELIVEBED    AT   PORTLAND,    JUNE    27,    1855, 


BEFORE   THE 


MALNE   MISSIONARY   SOCIETYj 


FORTY-EIGHTH    ANNIVERSARY 


BY   S,    C.    FESSENDEN, 
Pastor  of  the  Congregational  Churcli  in  Rockland. 


PRINTED  AT  THE  OFFICE  OP  THE  AGE. 
1855. 


m 


i 


THE  CHRISTIAN  MINISTRY  A  WORK  FOR  THE  GOSPEL'S  SAKE. 


SERMON 

DELIVERED    AT   PORTLAND,    JUNE    27,    1855, 

BEFORE   THE  % 

MAINE   MISSIONARY   SOCIETY, 


FOETY-EIGHTH    ANNIVERSARY. 


BY    S.    C.    FESSENDEN, 
Pastor  of  the  Congregational  Church  in  Rockland. 


PBINTED  AT  THE  OFFICE  OF  THE  AGE. 
1855, 


SERMON. 


1  Cor.  9 :  23.     And  this  I  do  for  the  Gospel's  sake,  that  I  might  be  partaker 
thereof  with  you. 

Man's  life  begins  in  action ;  in  the  action  of  the  lungs  and 
heart,  the  opening  of  the  valves,  the  circulation  of  life's  cur- 
rent in  every  part  of  the  system,  and  in  the  exercise  of  the 
mental  faculties.  For,  who  can  show  that  the  mind  of  the 
infant  is  inactive  ?  Who  believes  that  it  has  not  its  field  of 
observation  and  thought,  into  which  it  enters  at  once  on  its 
discoveries — the  circle  of  which  in  continuation  enlarges  its 
circumference  ? 

Life,  with  all  its  energies,  its  intellectual  and  moral  and 
physical  powers,  does,  and  must,  have  an  object,  for  the  sake 
of  which  it  is  spent.  Most  deplorably  ignoble  would  life  be, 
were  it  otherwise.  With  every  man  there  is  a  "  this,''  which 
he  is  doing  as  the  means  to  an  end.  And  it  becomes  the  chief 
subject  of  his  thoughts,  concentrating  his  energies ;  it  is  the 
development  of  the  decision  to  which  he  has  come,  iixing  the 
course  of  his  activity,  in  which  his  deeds  will  make  for  them- 
selves a  channel,  broad  and  deej),  to  the  judgment  of  "the 
quick  and  the  dead." 

It  was  so  with  the  Apostle,  for  he  wrote  to  the  Corinthians : 
''■  And  this  I  do  for  the  Gospel's  sake,  that  I  might  be  partaker 
thereof  with  you." 

The  text  naturally  leads  us  to  consider :  The  Course  of  the 
Apostle ;  the  Cause  for  which  such  was  his  course ;  and  the 
Reason  which  he  gave  for  his  course. 


THE   CHRISTIAN   MINISTRY 

I.  The  Course  of  Paul.  "  This  I  do,"  he  said.  And  what 
was  it  he  did  ? 

There  is  a  synoptical  view  of  the  nintli  chapter  of  the  first 
of  Corinthians,  from  which  we  get  aid  in  this  inquiry.  Ana- 
lyzed, we  find  the  chapter  to  be  a  record  of  rights  which  Paul 
claims  for  himself  and  his  fellow  Apostles,  and  in  a  way  which 
shows  that  he  thought  the  Corinthians  to  be  harboring  unwar- 
rantable inferences  in  questioning  these  rights.  His  right  to 
maintenance,  with  whatever  family  he  had,  at  the  expense  of 
those  among  whom  he  labored;  his  right  to  forbear  manual 
labor,  as  did  some  of  the  Apostles.  And  still,  it  is  a  record  of 
his  waiving  these  rights. 

It  is  the  Apostle's  declaration  of  freedom  from  any  obliga- 
tion by  which  his  fellow  men  could  demand  that  he  should  be 
the  servant  of  men  for  their  conversion,  with  the  assertion  that 
he  enslaved  himself  to  all,  complied  with  the  rites  and  cus- 
toms of  both  Jews  and  Gentiles  to  the  extent  of  accommo- 
dating himself  in  all  things  to  all  men,  that  he  might  by  all 
means  save  some. 

Have  we  not  here  the  positive  in  the  life  of  the  Apostle, 
within  which  was  his  entire  course  for  the  Gospel's  sake ;  ex- 
cluding, on  the  one  hand,  everything  that  was  incompatible  with 
Ms  purpose,  and  including,  on  the  other,  everything  that  could 
be  made  subservient  to  it  ? 

Was  he  of  rich  intellectual  culture,  and  of  ample  means  to 
indulge  his  literary  taste  ;  in  judicial  knowledge  not  a  novice ; 
of  singularly  Untarnished  reputation,  and  in  his  religion  an  ap- 
proved zealot?  Did  he  aspire  to  go  from  the  school  of  Gama- 
liel to  the  title  and  office  of  a  doctor  of  the  law,  and  "to  be 
an  eminent  member  of  that  theological  party,  to  which  so  many 
of  the  Jews  were  looking  for  the  preservation  of  their  national 
life,  and  the  existence  of  their  national  creed  ?"  And  sur- 
rounded by  influential  friends,  and  distinguished  for  the  ardor 
with  which  lie  prosecuted  his  design  of  exterminating  the  infant 
Christian  Church,  was  he  rapidly  gaining  the  goal  for  which  he 


A   WORK   FOR   THE    GOSPEL's    SAKE. 

aimed  ?  The  knowledge  wliicli  lie  had  intensely  sought,  he 
eagerly  abandoned  as  he  came  into  the  light  which  beamed  from 
the  mountains  of  Judea,  eclipsing  all  that  ever  shone  from 
Olympus  or  Parnassus. 

The  religion  in  which  he  was  nurtured,  and  whicli  he  consci- 
entiously believed,  he  renounced  ;  and  tliis  renunciation  involved 
self-excision  from  Jewish  kindred  and  society  and  church,  and 
from  the  literature,  science,  and  philosophy  of  his  sphere. 
And  the  work  on  which  Paul  entered,  was  that  of  preachino- 
the  doctrines  of  the  despised  one  of  IS'azarcth,  who  was  mocked 
and  crucified  at  Jerusalem,  who  died  and  was  buried — to 
spend  his  life  with  all  his  powers,  to  know  nothing  but  to  do 
everything  in  the  face  of  all  obstacles,  until  seas  were  crossed 
and  continents  traversed,  and  every  kingdom  leavened  with  the 
glad  tidings  of  Christ.  In  his  Second  Epistle  to  the  Corinth- 
ians, he  graphically,  with  his  customary  brevity,  shows  what 
were  the  obstacles,  and  perils,  he  surmounted. 

And,  moreover,  there  was  his  labor  for  daily  bread  during  his 
Apostleship,  insomuch  that  his  hands  were  scarred  with  the  toil 
of  years  when  he  held  them  to  the  view  of  the  elders  at  Miletus. 
And  to  the  Thessalonians  he  wrote,  as  he  might  have  written 
to  all  the  churches,  "  ye  remember,  brethren,  our  labor  and 
travaih  for  laboring  night  and  day,  because  we  would  not  be 
chargeable  unto  any  of  you,  we  preached  unto  you  the  gospel 
of  God." 

The  world  crucified  unto  him,  and  he  unto  the  world;  he 
crucified  vrith  Christ,  that  he  might  live  the  life  which,  as  an 
Apostle,  he  lived  in  the  flesh.  How  comprehensive,  therefore, 
is  the  meaning  of  the  words  "this  I  do,''  as  they  come  from  the 
Apostle  of  the  Gentiles. 

^*'  This  I  do,''  was  his  life  of  renunciation — excision — conse- 
cration— crucifixion,  "for  the  Gospel's  sake." 


THE    CHRISTIAN   MINlSTUr 

11.  The  Cause  far  the  sake  of  which  such  was  the  course  of 
the  Apostle. 

"  This  I  do,  for  the  Gospel's  sake." 

We  remark — It  was  a  cause  of  the  greatest  moy-al  dignity. 

The  cause  is  comprehended  in  the  name  of  Jesus,  which  Paul 
was  to  bear  "before  the  Gentiles,  and  Kings,  and  the  children 
of  Israel,"  as  the  alone  "name  under  Heaven,  given  among 
men,  whereby  we  must  be  saved." 

The  cause  "  of  the  Gospel  of  the  Grace  of  God,"— the  salva- 
tion of  souls,  and  the  conversion  of  the  world  by  God's  grace, 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  It  is  impossible  to  conceive  of 
another  cause  which,  from  its  nature,  is  invested  with  such  a 
measure  of  moral  dignity ;  since  in  this  respect  it  luminously, 
and  immeasurably,  transcends  every  other. 

The  progress  and  consummation  of  many  another  cause  may 
be  attended  with  good  to  the  bodies  and  souls  of  men ;  but  it 
must  infinitely  fail-  of  doing  for  either  what  the  Gospel,  in  its 
achievements,  does  for  both]  for,  by  its  inherent  properties,  its 
scope  compasses  the  good  there  is  in  every  cause. 

The  Gospel  begins  its  work  for  the  good  of  mankind,  where 
no  other  cause,  having  in  view  the  welfare  of  man,  begins  its 
^ork, — at  the  heart,  to  new  create  it,  that  from  henceforth  it 
be  the  workmanship  of  God  "  created  in  Christ  Jesus  unto 
good  works." 

There  is  contained  in  the  Gospel  a  system  of  Moral  Science, 
and  Christian  Ethics,  and  Divine  Philosophy,  which  effectually 
works,  and  is  worked  by,  the  peculiar  truths  which  the  sacred 
writers  teach  respecting  our  depravity  and  ruin,  our  redemption 
by  Christ,  and  the  result  of  our  present  conduct  in  a  state  of 
endless  retribution. 

For  a  city  besieged  the  problem  M-as  once  solved,  how  to 
rid  the  nation  of  its  enemies  by  their  universal  destruction. 
But  for  a  world  conquered^by  "  the  prince  of  the  power  of 
the  air,"  the  problem  which  the  Gospel  solves  is,  how  to  hurl 
this  prince  from  his  throne,  and  change  the  enemies  of  God 


A  WORK   FOR   THE   GOSPEL'S   SAKE. 

into  his  friends, — whether  found  in  the  palace  or  the  hovel, — 
the  schools  of  philosophy  and  chief  places  of  learning,  or  in  the 
nurseries  of  ignorance  and  superstition, — how  to  raise  them 
from  the  depths  of  sin  to  the  true  dignity  of  manhood  and 
brotherhood  on  earth,  and  to  the  sublimity  "  of  kings  and 
priests  unto  God  "  in  heaven. 

Such  is  the  nature  of  every  other  cause  except  that  of  the 
Gospel,  that,  benevolent  as  the  cause  may  be,  it  can  never  trace 
its  triumphs  into  that  world,  where  the  everlasting  anthem  of 
redemption  is  sung, — the  key  notes  of  which  the  Gospel  alone 
can  give. 

"We  adduce  the  nature  of  the  Gospel,  to  show  that  its  cause 
is  of  the  greatest  moral  dignity. 

Again.  It  was  a  cause  which  the  Apostle  knew  to  be  effect- 
ual in  its  progress. 

Even  "  the  power  of  God  and  the  wisdom  of  God,"  "  casting 
down  imaginations,  and  every  high  thing  that  exalteth  itself 
against  the  knowledge  of  God,  and  bringing  into  captivity 
every  thought  to  the  obedience  of  Christ."  It  was  from  Ephe- 
sus,  that  pleasure-loving  city  in  Asia  Minor,  the  most  illustrious 
seat  of  idolatry  in  the  whole  pagan  world,  Paul  wrote  to  the 
Corinthians — there,  where  the  worship  of  idols  was  intrenched 
in  the  hearts  of  the  people,  not  only  by  its  adaptation  to  pro- 
mote every  sinful  indulgence,  but  by  the  learning  and  wealth 
which  it  there  concentrated,  and  by  the  strength  of  the  civil 
arm  which  was  around  it  for  its  defence.  For  more  than  three 
years  had  the  power  of  the  Gospel,  under  the  preaching  of  the 
Apostle,  been  witnessed  in  this  city,  confounding  the  Jews  in 
the  sjmagogues,  and  oppressors  in  the  school  of  Tyrannus, 
gathering  a  church,  and  undermining  the  temple  of  Diana ; — 
unmistakable  evidence,  this,  of  its  being  effectual  in  its  progress. 
And  similar  was  the  evidence  of  the  -power  of  the  Gospel,  in 
all  the  regions  through  which  Paul  had  passed,  and  in  nearly 
all  the  principal  cities  which  he  visited,  publishing  the  name  of 
Jesus  and   salvation  by  none  other.     He   knew  that   it  was 


THE   CHRISTIAN   MINISTRY 

effectual  in  its  operation,  and  had  the  trophies  of  its  victories 
not  only  in  the  cities  of  the  Jews,  but  in  the  cities  of  the  Gen- 
tiles likewise.  He  had  been  with  Barnabas  at  Antioch,  "  the 
Heathen  Queen  and  Metropolis  of  the  East,"  and  had  seen  the 
grace  of  God,  and  was  glad.  With  Barnabas  he  had  journeyed 
on  a  missionary  enterprise  to  Seleucia,  Salamis,  Paphos,  Perga, 
Antioch  in  Pisidia,  Iconium,  Lystra  and  Derbe ;  and  such  was 
the  effect  with  which  the  Gospel  was  preached  in  these  cities, 
that  many  Jews  and  Gentiles  believed,  and  glorified  the  word 
of  the  Lord.  Churches  were  established  in  the  faith,  and  in- 
creased in  number  daily.  From  Troas  westward,  in  answer  to 
the  call  for  help,  the  empire  of  Jesus  Christ  took  its  way,-"  to 
subdue  the  powers  of  an  extensive  heathen  region,  and  bring 
the  civilization  of  the  world  into  captivity  to  the  obedience  of 
Christ."  In  Philippi,  Thessalonica,  Berea, — in  licentious 
Corinth, — so  distinguished  for  its  refinement  and  learning  as  to 
be  called  "  the  light  of  all  Greece,"  the  Apostle  had  preached 
Jesus  and  the  resurrection,  and  had  seen  the  Gospel's  might,  in 
its  progress,  to  get  to  itself  many  believers  and  faithful  disci- 
ples of  its  great  Teacher,  in  these  strongholds  of  heathen 
darkness.  But,  more  than  all,  he  had  himself  experienced  the 
efficacy  of  the  Gospel  in  its  march,  when,  on  his  way  to  Damas- 
cus, he  was  made  an  obedient  subject  of  the  faith  which  he 
hated,  and  called  to  be  an  Apostle  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  to  wit- 
ness in  others,  by  his  own  preaching  of  the  Cross,  what  in  his 
own  conscience  and  heart  he  had  felt,  that  it  was  mighty  through 
God  for  the  work  whereto  it  was  sent. 

With  respect  to  this  cause,  we  observe,  moreover,  Paul  be- 
lieved in  its  prospective  conquests.  He  believed  that  Jesus 
Christ  of  Nazareth,  who  was  crucified,  and  whom  God  raised 
from  the  dead,  was  the  corner  stone  of  a  spiritual  temple, — the 
temple  of  God,  to  whicji  the  law  of  Moses  and  the  temple  at 
Jerusalem  would  give  place ;  that  Jesus  was  "  the  Christ  of 
God,"  and  the  pfeachi?ig  of  Christ  crucified  the  power  of  God 
which  was  to  outroot  the  tenets  of  Pharisees  and  Sadducees, 


A   WORK   FOR   THE    GOSPEL  S   SAKE. 

and  demonstrate  the  foolislmess>of  the  doctrines  of  the  Rab- 
binical schools,  and  be  the  glory  of  God's  people,  Israel.  He 
believed  that,  through  the  blood  of  Christ,  they  who  were  far 
off  had  been  brought  near,  and  both  Jews  and  Gentiles  made 
one,  the  wall  which  parted  them  being  taken  down ;  and,  that 
now  the  light  to  lighten  the  Gentiles  would  shine  upon  them, 
to  whom,  far  hence,  he  was  to  go,  and  of  whom  there  would  be 
the  seals  of  his  Apostleship.  With  the  eye  of  faith,  the  Apostle 
surveyed  the  regions  through  which  he  was  to  pass,  where  so 
many  millions  were  sitting  in  the  shadow  of  death,  and  saw 
the  triumphal  progress  of  the  Gospel  even  to  Rome ;  and  that 
proud  capital  of  a  great  pagan  empire,  yielding  to  the  cross, — 
a  church  in  the  household  of  Ca3sar, — "  and  her  seven  hills  as 
the  seven  golden  candlesticks,  to  send  the  light  of  truth  abroad." 

"Go  ye  into  all  the  world,  and  preach  the  Gospel  to  every 
creature ;"  and  "lo !  I  am  with  you  always,  even  unto  the  end  of 
the  world."  "And  I,  if  I  be  lifted  up,  will  draw  all  men  unto 
me."  "  This  command  and  promise  which  constitute  the  great 
missionary  charter,  of  the  Church  for  all  tiuie,  and  in  which  is 
the  sum  and  tlieory  of  all  spiritual  instrumentality,"  beihg  believed 
by  the  Apostle,  could  he  question  that  facilities  would  be  mul- 
tiplied to  diffuse  the  knowledge  of  salvation,  until  the  whole 
world  would  be  filled  with  "  the  light  of  the  knowledge  of  the 
glory  of  God  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ,"  "as  the  waters  cover 
the  sea?" 

Finally.  To  this  cause — the  cause  of  the  Gospel — was  justly 
due  the  offering  which  Paul  made. 

It  was  in  accordance  with  the  spirit  of  the  Gospel  that,  hav- 
ing been  made  a  subject  of  its  renewing  grace,  and  a  partaker 
of  its  faith,  he  should  most  earnestly  desire  to  be  its  minister 
"  according  to  the  gift  of  the  grace  of  God  given  unto  (him)  by 
the  effectual  working  of  His  power,  and  to  make  all  men  see 
what  is  the  fellowship  of  the  mystery,  which  from  the  beginning 
of  the  world  hath  been  hid  in  God,  who  created  all  things  by 
Jesus  Christ,  to  the  intent   that   now  unto  the  principalities 


10  THE    CHRISTIAN   MINISTRY 

and  powers  in  heavenly  places  might  be  known  by  the  Church, 
the  manifold  wisdom  of  God." 

This  onl3^  on  the  part  of  the  Apostle,  would  have  been 
Christ-like. 

The  cause  was  the  cause  of  God — who  "  so  loved  the  world, 
that  He  gave  His  only  begotten  Son,  that  whosoever  believeth 
in  Him,  should  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life.'' 

And  the  cause  of  him  "who,  being  in  the  form  of  God,  thought 
it  not  robbery  to  be  equal  with  God ;  but  made  himself  of  no 
reputation,  and  took  upon  himself  the  form  of  a  servant, 
and  was  made  in  the  likeness  of  men.  And  being  found  in 
fashion  as  a  man,  he  humbled  himself,  and  became  obedient 
unto  death,  even  the  death  of  the  cross."  It  was  the  cause  of 
him,  who,  as  the  Apostle  declares,  loved  him,  and  gave  himself 
for  him.  It  was  the  oiFering  of  himself.  "Lord,  what  wilt  thou 
have  me  to  do  ?"  Make  me  what  thou  wouldst — use  me  as 
thou  wilt.  My  talents,  acquirements,  property,  time,  body,  soul, 
life,  in  all  that  life  can  be — from  day  to  day,  until  life  shall  end, 
one  continued  offering  I  make  to  thee. 

"  Zeal  and  duty  are  not  slow, 
But  on  occasion's  forelock  watchful  wait." 

As  it  pleased  God  to  make  the  foolishness  of  preaching  the 
foremost  instrumentality,  by  which  to  diffuse  the  Gospel  to  the 
salvation  of  them  that  believe — to  the  Gospel  was  justly  due 
what  the  Apostle  could  give,  himself,  to  be  of  the  great  company 
of  preachers  by  which  the  earth  should  be  belted  with  the  doc- 
trines of  the  One  crucified.  Had  Paul  made  a  less  offering 
to  the  cause,  how  vastly  below  the  sublimity  of  the  object  of 
the  Gospel  would  the  offering  have  been ;  and  how  vast  the 
chasm  between  it  and  the  transcendent  character  and  rights  of 
Him  with  whom  the  cause  originated !  And  standing  as  the 
Apostle  did,  at  the  very  commencement  of  "  the  work-days  of 
t^ie  spirit  process."  by  which  the  world  was  to  be  reclaimed  by 
such  means,  as  God  had  appointed  to  give  success  to  the  truth, 
of  what  an  illustrious  exami^le  of  life-long  preaching  of  Jesus 


A   WORK   FOR   THE   GOSPEL's   >SAKE.  11 

Christ,  and  of  missionary  zeal,  would  the  Church  have  been 
deprived,  had  he  not  devoted  his  life  to  the  furtherance  of  tlie 
Gospel? 

III.     But  let  i7S  come  to  the  Reason  which  the  Apostle  gave 
for  his  course. 

"And  this  I  do  for  the  Gospel's  sake,  that  I  might  he  par- 
taker thereof  with  yoii^ 

That  he  might  save  himself,  and  those  to  whom  lie  preached  j 
that  he  might  be  of  the  number  of  God's  laborers  iu  extend- 
ing the  Kingdom  of  the  Redeemer,  gathering  and  confirnnng 
churches,  and  at  last  be  like  the  Son  of  God  and  see  him  as  he 
is,  not  only  made  Paul's   soul  strong  to  labor,  but  to  endure 
great  things  for  the  name  of  Jesus.     This  great  object  buoyed 
him  up ;  it  carried  him  forward ;  it  enabled  him  to  surmount 
obstacles  in  the  way  of  his  preaching  the  Gospel,  such  as  have 
not  been   exceeded   in   number,  nor   in   magnitude.     Though 
greatly  disappointed,  and  much  grieved,  at  the  unpropitious  re- 
sult of  his  labor  in  some  places ;  and  most  disappointed,  and 
most  grieved,  by  the  conduct  and  state  of  some  of  the  churches, 
to  which  he  looked  for  "  better  things ;"  though  deeply  con- 
scious of  his  weakness,  and,  at  times,  filled  with  forebodings  and 
fears,  knowing  not  the  things  which  should  befall  him,  save  that 
the  Holy  Ghost  witnessed  in  every  city,  that  bonds  and  afflic- 
tions were  in  store  for  him,  and  always  weary  by  incessant 
toil;  yet,  never  was  he  so  greatly  in  this  condition,  as  not  to 
find  in  this  reason  a  motive,  which  made  him  persistent  in  his 
service  of  Christ,  to  the  frequent  hazard  of  his  life,  and  through 
the  hottest  fires  of  persecution  even  to  the  block  of  martyrdom. 
He  could  recollect  the  years  which  he  spent  in  the  schools,  and 
all  the  circumstances  which,  as  they  cradled  his  infancy  and 
nurtured  his  manhood,  gave  occasion  for  the  highest  expecta- 
tions, with  respect  to  what  he  would  be  and  do.  for  liis  nation 
and  the  Jewish  church.     All  along  through  his  twenty-years 
Apostleskip,  there  were  points   from  which   Paul  must   have 


12  THE    CHRISTIAN    MINISTRY 

looked  back  to  the  scenes  tlirougli  wliich  he  had  passed,  and 
the  conflict  he  had  endured,  but  no  expression  of  regret  in  view 
of  his  course  fell  from  his  lips  or  had  place  in  his  heart.  In 
his  first,  and  in  his  second  Roman  imprisonment,  when  most  of 
his  earthly  friends  forsook  him,  and  he  foresaw  his  sentence  to 
death,  not  a  regretful  word  did  he  utter.  His  life  had  been  an 
eventful  one  of  exhausting  service  for  the  Gospel's  sake,  for 
which  he  was  to  die,  but  of  which  he  had  no  occasion  to  speak, 
as  it  rapidly  approached  its  end,  as  spoke  one  of  Europe's 
veteran  diplomatists  of  the  results  of  his  life:  "Behold  eighty- 
three  years  past  away  !  What  cares  !  What  agitation  !  What 
anxieties  !  What  ill-will !  What  sad  complications  !  And  all 
without  other  results,  except  great  fatigue  of  mind  and  body, 
and  a  profound  sentiment  of  discouragement  with  regard  to  the 
future,  and  disgust  with  regard  to  the  past !" 

By  the  labors  of  Paul  the  proclamation  of  the  Gospel  had 
been  accomplished  in  full  measure,  that  all  the  Gentiles  might 
hear.  And  his  last  words  were  of  his  readiness  "  to  be  offered," 
and  of  "a  crown  of  righteousness"  which  he  was  confident  awaited 
him  beyond  the  grave.  Nor  in  that  "  crown  of  righteousness  " 
is  all  of  what  is,  for  what  the  Apostle  did  for  the  Gospel's  sake. 
But,  "bequeathing  to  the  Church  in  her  government  and  her 
discipline  the  legacy  of  his  apostolic  labors — leaving  his  pro- 
phetic words  to  be  her  living  oracles — pouring  forth  his  blood 
to  be  the  seed  of  a  thousand  martyrdoms  " — truly,  he  could 
have  said,  "'  in  the  very  article  of  death,  with  his  mind  as  clear 
as  the  setting  sun  without  a  cloud,  and  as  luminous  too,"  and 
with  meaning  in  the  words — "  I  yet  live  !"  For,  "  he  being 
dead  yet  speaketh,"  and  will  speak,  until  "  the  .heavens  shall 
pass  away  with  a  great  noise,  and  the  elements  shall  melt  with 
fervent  heat." 

There  is  a  practical,  personal  application  of  this  subject  by 
which  it  is  to  be  made  useful.  We  come  to  it  in  the  remark, 
that  the  Gospel  should  be  no  less  with  us  than  it  was  with  the 
Apostle.     Is  it  not  to-day  the  same  glorious  Gospel  of  which 


A  WOKK   FOR   THE   GOSPEL's   SAKE.  IS 

he  was  a  preacher — to  be  preached  with  like  glorious  results  ? 
The  same  Gospel  now  as  then,  and  to  achieve  like  victories  ? 
Truly,  to  the  Gospel  all  principalities  are  to  come  down,  even 
the  crown  of  tlieir  glory;  for  by  its  "  Christ,  the  power  of  God 
and  the  wisdom  of  God,*  the  reign  of  Israel's  Redeemer  is  to 
extend  from  sea  to  sea,  and  from  pole  to  pole.  The  claims  of 
the  Gospel  upon  iis  can  be  no  less  than  they  were  upon  the 
Apostle,  We  should  be  as  willing  to  be  wholly  used  for  its 
advancement  as  was  Paul.  "A  good  minister  of  Jesus  Christ" 
feels  the  authority  of  these  claims ;  therefore,  he  is  such  for 
the  Gospel's  sake.  Free  from  all  men,  yet  does  he  make  him- 
self servant  unto  all,  that  he  may  gain  the  more.  And,  far 
better  would  it  be  that  that  man  should  be  out  of  the  ministry, 
than  in  its  calling,  who  cannot  say  with  the  Apostle,  "  Woe  is 
unto  me  if  I  preach  not  the  Gospel." 

And  every  sacrifice  to  preach  the  Gospel  has  its  example  in 
Paul. 

What  though  the  cost  to  its  minister  be  the  relinquishment 
of  all  he  counted  gain  ?  What  though  to  continue  in  the  minis- 
try he  is  forced  to  labor  with  his  own  hands,  or  to  lack  things 
needful  for  himself  and  for  those  whose  interests  are  intrusted 
to  his  care  ?  What  though  the  measure  of  his  life  is  filled  with 
cares  and  perplexities,  and  shortened  too,  if  it  must  be,  to 
preach  the  Gospel  of  the  grace  of  God  ?  Come  what  will,  and 
come  what  may,  in  fulfilling  his  ministry,  before  him  in  the 
path  was  Paul,  who,  of  "  the  hope  of  the  Gospel,"  wrote  to  the 
Colossians :  "  whereof  I  Paul  am  made  a  minister  ,•  who  now 
rejoice  in  my  sufferings  for  you,  and  fill  up  that  which  is  behind 
of  the  afflictions  of  Christ  in  my  flesh  for  his  body's  sake, 
which  is  the  Church." 

We  have  heard  it  said  in  a  censorious  spirit,  the  tendency  of 
ministers  at  this  day  is,  to  secularization.  The  complaint  is, 
that  some  of  this  holy  calling  combine  with  it  another,  and  do 
not  give  themselves  wholly  to  their  appropriate  work;  as 
though  they  did  this  of  choice,  and  were  not  compelled  to  it  by 


14  THE    CHRISTIAN   MINISTRY 

the  meagre  living  which  is  given  them  by  those  mito  wliom  they 
have  sown  spiritual  things ;  as  though  it  were  not  with  painful 
reluctance  they  engaged  in  any  other  work,  for  a  day  or  an 
hour,  than  that  of  performing  the  duties  of  the  office  in  which 
their  whole  soul  is  wrapped  up,  to  otttain  the  means  of  sub- 
sistence, which  all  their  fidelity  in  the  ministry  has  never 
brought  to  them  from  those,  who,  in  justice,  should  have  pro- 
vided these  means  for  their  pastor.  Verily,  it  has  come,  to  pass 
that  if  ministers  give  themselves  wholly  to  the  functions  of 
their  office  and  have  not  a  sufficiency  for  themselves  and  fami- 
lies, the  question  is  asked  with  much  astonishment,  why  do  they 
continue  in  the  ministry  to  the  omission  of  the  christian  duty 
of  providing  for  their  own,  and  their  own  house.  But,  if  from 
a  people  whose  society-support  of  their  minister  gives  him  not 
enough  to  fulfill  this  manifest  duty,  he  goes  to  another  people 
of  more  means,  or  more  willing  to  have  him  "  live  of  the  Gospel," 
then  the  exclamation  of  some  is — "  0,  we  see  how  it  is ;  though 
they  are  the  ministers  of  Him  who  was  anointed  to  preach  the 
Gospel  to  the  poor,  yet  how  unlike  the  Savior ;  they  do  not 
remain  to  preach  it,  and  suffer  with  the  poor,  but  go  to  bear  it 
to  the  rich,  or  where  they  will  get  more  of  the  things  of  this 
world." 

Now,  we  hold  that  that  minister  is  but  following  in  the  foot- 
steps of  Paul  in  sacrifice  and  suffering,  who,  conscious  that  he 
is  called  to  be  a  preacher  of  the  Gospel,  remains  in  his  calling, 
though  at  the  cost,  if  necessity  requires  it,  of  daily  labor  in 
some  avocation  for  daily  bread,  that  he  may  preach  the  Gospel. 
And  although  in  this  course  there  is  a  hardness  which  Churches, 
we  are  sure,  do  not  lay  upon  their  ministers  without  the  dis- 
pleasure of  God  in  his  withdrawal  or  withholding  of  some 
blessing,  still  it  is  comforting  to  such  ministers  to  know  that 
there  was  a  workshop  in  Corinth  where  Paul  made  tents, 
by  reason  of  the  necessity  that  was  put  upon  him,  and  at  the 
same  time  preached  the  Gospel  to  the  Corinthians — nor  was 
he  for  that  reason  any  the  less  an  ambassador  of  heaven. 


A   WORK   FOR   THE    GOSPEL'S   SAKE.  15 

And  we  may  learn  from  this  subject,  that  the  well-sustained 
office  of  the  Gospel  minister  has  distinguished  honor,  as  well 
as  signal  labor,  and  great  reward.  It  is  God's  ordinance,  and 
gloriously  has  he  owned  and  honored  it  in  the  world ;  and  he 
will  own  and  honor  it  while  the  world  lasts.  The  subject  of 
the  minister  is  Jesus  Christ — his  cross  his  pulpit — his  blood  his 
eloquence.  Though  his  preaching  the  Gospel  "  may  be  a  poor 
exhibition  of  a  rich  subject,  still,  the  call  of  God  is  in  it;  the 
Savior  is  in  it ;  the  promise  of  the  Spirit  is  in  it ;  and  in  it 
the  conversion  of  souls."  I  quote  the  words  of  Robert 
Philip :  ''  Even  that  kind  of  preaching,  which  never  won  ap- 
plause by  its  eloquence,  nor  kindled  public  curiosity  by  its 
flame,  has  made  Britain  and  America  whatever  they  are,  as  holy 
nations,  and  much  of  what  they  are  as  free  and  powerful  na- 
tions. *  *  *  -^  -^  ■?;-  And  a  great  majority  both  of  the 
dead  in  Christ,  and  of  the  living  in  Jerusalem,  were  won  to 
Christ  not  by  the  giants  of  genius  or  erudition,  but  by  the 
watchfulness  and  fidelity  of  hard-ivorking  pastors.  The  claims 
of  the  pulpit  do  not,  therefore,  rest  upon  the  memory  of  its 
brightest  ornaments.  They  rest  far  more  upon  the  memory  of 
its  countless  converts.  Its  record  is  on  high.  All  in  heaven 
who  washed  their  robes  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb,  are  the 
vouchers  and  the  trophies. 

"  The  pulpit — the  ordinary  pulpit,  has  always  been  the  chief 
means  of  filling  heaven.  No  other  chair  of  verity  can  point  to 
the  multitudes  around  the  throne,  and  say — '  Behold  the  chil- 
dren whom  God  hath  given  me.' 

"  The  pulpit  can  say  with  all  truth  of  all  the  redeemed  amongst 
men — 'all  these  souls  are  mine'  instrumentally ;  whereas  it  is 
more  than  doubtful  whether  there  be  one  soul  in  heaven,  to 
whom  anything  on  earth  was  so  useful  as  preaching." 

It  is  so ;  and  in  the  faithful  performance  of  the  duties  of  his 
office,  the  bishop  shall  both  save  himself  and  them  that  hear 
him;  and  souls  rescued  from  death  are  "gems  brighter  by  far, 
than  ever  sparkled  on  the  brow  of  royalty." 


16  THE    CHRISTIAN   MINISTRY 

It  only  remains  to  be  said  what  the  text  evidently  teaches, 
that  if  we  speed  not  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel  for  the  Gos- 
pel's sake,  we  lack  evidence  that  we  are  partakers  of  its  bene- 
fits with  those  who  preach  it.  For  the  text  is  the  same  as  if 
the  Apostle  had  said,  that  you,  Corinthians,  may  give  evidence 
that  you  are  partakers  of  the  Gospel  by  your  endeavors  to  dif- 
fuse its  light  and  to  give  it  abundant  success.  And  now,  that 
I  likewise,  may  afford  evidence  of  my  discipleship,  and  that  I 
share  with  you  in  its  present  and  future  benefits,  "  this  I  do" — 
such  is  my  life,  "  for  the  Gospel's  sake." 

As  in  the  Church  there  are  "  many  members  in  one  body  and 
all  members  have  not  the  same  office,"  we  do  not  say  that  all 
are  to  give  themselves  to  the  work  of  the  ministry.  But  what 
we  do  say,  is,  that  all  are  to  speed  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel 
to  every  creature,  by  helping  those  who  are  "  the  called"  to  the 
work,  into,  and  helping  them  in,  the  field ;  and  that,  if  we  do 
not  this,  we  are  wanting  in  scriptural  evidence  that  we  have 
been  new  created  by  the  Gospel,  the  workmanship  of  God  unto 
good  loorks.  For,  how  shall  men  hear  the  Gospel  without  a 
preacher  ?  "  and  how  shall  they  preach,  except  they  be  sent  ?" 
and  how  shall  they  be  sent,  except  those  who  are  all  indebted 
to  the  Gospel  feel  the  force  of  their  obligations  to  send  every- 
where its  preachers  and  support  them  in  fulfilling  their  com- 
mission? 

Through  the  Maine  Missionary  Society,  we  have  now,  as  we 
have  had,  opportunity  to  further  the  Gospel  in  its  progress,  by 
aiding  some  of  its  ministers  to  preach  it,  where  God  has  placed 
them  in  the  field,  and  others  to  proclaim  its  truths  whitherso- 
ever His  providence  shall  direct.  These  ministers  are  not 
beggars  for  our  alms.  No  preacher  of  the  Gospel  is  of  this 
class.  He  is  a  "  servant  of  Jesus  Christ,"  and  "  is  worthy  of 
his  hire  "  from  those  who  are  blessed  by  his  service,  even  as  he 
gives  them  the  opportunity  of  sending  the  Gospel  to  those  who 
have  it  not.     These  missionaries  are  faithful,  but  straightened 


A   WORK   FOR   THE   GOSPEL's    SAKE.  17 

servants  of  God,  it  may  be,  for  tliey  are  of  the  class  of  whicli 
an  eminent  statesman,  whose  words  did  not  exceed  his  knowl- 
edge, said  in  the  most  august  tribunal  of  this  nation  : 

"  I  take  it  upon  myself  to  say,  that  in  no  country  in  the  world, 
upon  eithei"  continent,  can  there  be  found  a  body  of  ministers 
of  the  Gospel,  who  perform  so  much  service  to  man,  in  such  a 
full  spirit  of  self  denial,  under  so  little  encouragement  from 
government  of  any  kind,  and  under  circumstances  always  much 
straightened  and  often  distressed,  as  the  ministers  of  the  Gos- 
pel in  the  United  States,  of  all  denominations." 

There  is  no  ground  of  apprehension,  however  large  may  be 
your  contribution,  that  any  of  these  ministers  will  commit  the 
offence,  for  which  the  Rev.  E.  Irving  said  he  would  be  ashamed 
of  a  minister : 

"  Oh  if  thou  grow  rich — oh  if  thou  shouldest  die  rich,  I 
will  be  ashamed  of  thee." 

It  is  true  of  them  that  the  cloak  and  parchments,  i.  e.,  their 
decent  apparel  and  their  books, — these  are  their  riches.  They 
are  living  illustrations  in  America,  of  what  Dr.  Irving  meant 
when  he  gave  it  in  charge  to  Mr.  McLeon : 

''  Brother :  If  God  should  bless  thee  with  a  wife  and  children 
put  no  money  in  the  bank  for  them,  but  write  prayers  in  the 
word  of  the  Book  of  Life.  Be  this  thy  Bank  of  Faith  :  Be  this 
thy  Exchange, — even  the  Providence  of  God,  and  let  the  Lords 
of  the  Treasury  be  the  Prophets  and  Apostles  who  went  before 
thee.  Go  thou  out  as  poor  .a  man  as  thou  comest  in,  and  let 
the  living  bury  thee  when  thou  diest." 

Therefore  show  ye  to  these  ministers,  "  and  before  the 
Churches,  the  proof  of  your  love"  for  your  country  and  for 
Jesus  Christ,  by  a  ready  and  Gospel  apportioned  contribution 
of  your  silver  and  gold  "  for  the  Gospel's  sake," — the  more 
widely  to  diffuse,  through  their  instrumentality,  a  saving  knowl- 
edge of  the  Redeemer  of  lost  Men. 
2 


ANNUAL   EEPOET 

Of  the  Trustees  of  the  Maine  Missionary  Societi/. 


Another  year  has  fled  since  the  last  gathering  of  the  officers;- 
members,  and  friends  of  our  beloved  Maine  Missionary  Society, 
and  through  the  help  of  God  we  meet  again,  to  review  the  mis- 
sionary history  of  the  year  past,  and  to  gird  onrselves  afresh 
for  future  cares  and  duties.  The  last  year's  laborers  in  the 
missionary  field  are  not  all  with  us.  Mr.  Greenleaf  Cheney, 
who,  soon  after  commencing  the  work  of  preaching  the  Gospel, 
spent  a  few  months  of  the  year  at  Jackson  and  Brooks,  and 
was  highly  esteemed  for  his  devoted  piety,  and  diligence  in  the 
service  of  his  Master,  has  recently  fallen  asleep  in  Jesus.  The 
Rev.  James  B.  Howard,  ordained  the  last  December  pastor  of 
the  new  church  and  society  at  Rockport,  with  very  fair  pros- 
pects of  usefulness  in  the  good  work  of  laying  foundations,  to 
which  with  enthusiastic  eagerness  he  had  devoted  himself,  was 
soon  laid  aside  by  ill-health,  and  will  not  probably  be  able  there 
to  resume  his  labors.  The  Rev.  Harrison  Fairfield,  ordained 
as  an  evangelist  at  Bristol  Mills,  in  January  last,  on  the  same 
day  on  which  a  new  church  was  organized,  was  prostrated  by 
disease  about  the  last  of  April,  when  some  ten  or  twelve  per- 
sons in  the  congregation  were  indulging  a  hope  in  Christ,  and 
the  prospect  was  very  encouraging  of  a  continued  blessing. 

By  such  events  we  are  admonished  faithfully  to  work  in  the 
Lord's  vineyard,  while  strength  and  opportunity  are  given  us ; 
and  ceasing  from  man,  whose  breath  is  in  his  nostrils,  to  trust 
in  Him,  who  liveth  ever  more,  stnd  who  never  fainteth,  nor  is 


ANNTJAL  REPORT.  19 

discouraged,  \i^hile  as  Head  over  all  things  to  the  church,  by  a 
succession  of  feeble  dying  agencies,  such  as  it  pleases  Him  to 
employ,  He  is  steadily  carrying  forward  His  gracious  designs, 
often  in  a  very  "  mysterious  way"  towards  their  sure  and  glori- 
ous completion. 

Let  us  praise  Him  for  all  the  good  effected  by  means  of  this 
Institution,  and  that  upon  this,  its  48th  anniversary,  we  can  find, 
in  the  review  of  the  past  year,  so  many  tokens  of  His  con- 
tinued favor. 

The  usual  Tabular  View  will  now  be  given.  Where  a  *  is 
attached  to  donations  to  the  Maine  Missionary  Society,  it  is 
designed  to  intimate,  that  those  sums,  though  collected  within 
the  year,  are  not  acknowledged  in  the  Treasurer's  Report, 
but  will  be  in  the  report  of  next  year. 


20 


MAINE   MISSIONARY   SOCIETY. 


TABULAR     VIEW. 


Churches  and  Missionaries. 


1.  Albany. 
Rev.  Lorrain  Wood,  s.  s. 


2.  Alexander. 

Cooper. 
Mr.  Charles  H.  Emerson,  5.  s. 
Mr.  S.  D.  Hosmer,  s.  s. 


3.   AtNA. 

Rev.  Samuel  Talbot,  P. 


4.  Amhekst  and  Aurora. 
Rev.  Henry  S.  Loring,  P. 


Date  of 
Commission. 


5.  Andover. 
Rev.  Mark  Gould,  P.  June  27, 1854. 


June  27, 1854. 


May  1,  1854. 
April  25, 1855, 


June  27, 1854. 


Nov.  1,  1854. 


9m. 


12 


6.  Anson  Village. 
Solon  Village. 
Mr.  Orson  P.  Allen. 


7.  Baldwin. 
Mr.  Prescott  Fay. 


8.  Belfast,  North. 
Rev.  J.  R.  Munsell,  P. 


9.  Benton. 

Fairfield. 
Rev.  James  M.  Palmer,  s.  s. 


10.  Benton. 

Hunter's  Mills. 
Mr.  N.  B.  Blanchard. 
Mr.  Mason  Moore. 


Mar.  23, 1855 


Feb.  20, 1855. 


June  27, 1854 


June  27, 1854, 


Jan.,  1855. 
Mar.  23, 1855.J 


12 


1.^ 


li 


12 


2i 


H 


94 


114 


125 


50 


126 


44 


150 


38 


66 


105 


100 


90 


125 


50 


50 


200     50 


12 


5S 


oK 


9  80 


85 


29 


44 


no 
ch. 


19  50 


27  73 


2* 


27  50 


38 


7  70 


2      35 


47  49 


55 


10 
12 


ANNUAL  REPORT.  21 

TABULAR     VIEW. 


REMARKS. 


L  Owing  to  the  drought  of  the  last  year,  and  the  "  loss  of  two  or  three  liberal  sub- 
scribers," it  has  been  found  more  difficult  to  provide  for  the  minister's  support  for  the 
second  year,  than  it  was  for  the  first.  "Every  one,"  however,  "  has  willingly  and 
cheerfully  done  what  he  thought  with  ordinary  success  he  might  be  able  to  do." 

2.  The  last  Fall  a  very  delightful  season  of  spiritual  refreshing  was  experienced  at 
Alerxander,  and  a  Church  was  organized  of  nine  members,  to  which  three  more  have 
been  added  since.  Mr.  Hosmer,  a  young  man  recently  from  the  Seminary  at  Andover, 
commenced  his  labors  in  this  field  on  the  last  Sabbath  in  May,  under  very  favorable 
auspices.  At  Alexander,  especially,  the  prospect  of  growth  and  enlargement  is 
highly  encouraging. 

3.  This  Church  has  been  afflicted  by  the  loss  of  several  valuable  members.  One  of 
them,  "a  young  man  of  large  heart  and  uncommon  promise,  who  was  fast  making 
his  way  towards  the  Gospel  ministry,  having  already  completed  his  collegiate  course- 
suddenly  was  not,  for  Ood  took  him." 

4.  This  people,  after  attempting  to  sustain  the  ministry  without  aid  for  two  years, 
have  thought  it  necessary,  by  reason  of  loss  in  pecuniary  strength,  again  to  receive  it. 
They  are  attending  to  their  own  affairs,  and  fulfilling  their  engagements,  with  in- 
creased promptitude  and  punctuality,  and  it  is  hoped,  "  that  on  the  whole  there  is ' 
some  advance  in  spiritual  things." 

5.  An  unusual  number  of  removals  during  the  past  year— including  four  members 
of  the  Church— one  of  them  the  leader  of  the  choir  and  a  prominent  man  in  the 
Church.  These  losses  are  severely  felt.  "It  is  thought  that  there  is  at  the  present  time 
(June  15,)  an  unusual  desire  with  a  portion  of  the  Church  for  a  refreshing  from  the 
presence  of  the  Lord,  and  considerable  thoughlfulness  and  feeling  on  the  part  of 
some  of  the  impenitent." 

6.  For  several  years  past  no  attempt  has  been  made  to  sustain  Congregational 
preaching  at  Anson  Village.  Mr.  Allen  found  "  a  good  number  favorably  disposed," 
and  some  individuals,  of  whom  a  Church  might  be  constituted.  It  was  a  subject  of 
regret,  when  he  left,  that  the  place  could  not  be  immediately  supplied  by  some  one 

7.  Of  the  Church  in  Baldwin  but  one  male  member  remains,  and  the  number  of 
female  members  is  small.  Mr.  Fay  was  kindly  received,  and  an  earnest  desire  ex- 
pressed for  the  continuance  of  his  services. 

,  ?•  This  Society  has  raised  §50  more  this  year  for  the  support  of  their  minister,  than 
before.  They  have  also  made  more  liberal  contributions  to  benevolent  objects  And 
He  who  hath  promised,  that  they  who  sow  bountifully  shall  reap  bountifully,  hath 
bestowed  upon  them  rich  spiritual  blessings. 

9.  The  endeavor  to  retain  Mr.  Palmer  at  Benton  failed  of  success,  for  want  of  a 
house  for  him  to  live  in.  Since  his  departure  (in  August  last,)  there  has  been  no 
Congregational  preaching  at  Fairfield,  and  very  little  at  Benton.  At  present  it  is  not 
deemed  advisable  to  furnish  a  supply  at  Kendall's  Mills.  Of  the  Church  in  Benton 
but  one  male  member  now  remains. 

10.  The  services  of  Mr.  Blanchard  (of  the  Bangor  Seminary,)  and  Mr.  Moore  (from 
Andover,)  were  in  a  good  degree  acceptable  ;  and  the  hope  is  still  cherished,  that  a 
stated  ministry  may  yet  be  established  in  this  region- 


22 


MAINE   MISSIONARY   SOCIETY. 


TABULAR     VIEW. 


Churches  and  Missionaries. 


11.  Bingham. 
Solon  Village. 
Forks  of  the  Kennebec. 

Rev.  Sidney  Turner,  s.  s. 

12.  Blanchard. 

Greenville. 
Sangerville. 
Rev.  John  A.  Perry,  s.  s. 


13.  Bradford. 
Kenduskeag. 

Rev.  Sol.  E.  Bixby,  P. 

14.  Bridgton,  North. 

Rev.  Horace  Wellington,  s.  s, 


15.  Bristol  Mills. 
Rev.  Harrison  Fairfield,  s.  s. 


16.  Brownfielix 

Hiram. 
Rev.  David  Gerrv,  P. 


17.  Bro-wnville. 
Rev.  Wm.  S.  Sewall,  P. 


Date  of 
Commission. 


June  27, 1854. 
June  27, 1854. 

June  27, 1854. 
June  27, 1854. 

Sept.  15, 1854. 


July  1,  1854. 
Oaa.  11,  1855 


June  24, 1854. 


18.  Burlington  and  vicinity 

Rev.  E.  M.  "Wright,  s.  s.         iJune  27, 1854. 

iNov.  1,  1854. 


a 

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a 

o 
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-< 

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125 

73 
10 

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9* 

12m 

126 

12 

210 

75 

no 
100 

55 
ch. 
26 

2 

1 

32       i 
6 

12 

225 

124 

175 

28 
63 

3 

1 

1 

7 
24* 

6 

25 

100 

48 

28 

9i 

100 

85 

17 

2 

7 

12 

27 

6 
6 

91 
63 

42 
16 

7 

12 

100 

115 

89 

1 

22  76. 

3 
9 

50 
188 

100 

21 

2 

19  50* : 

ANNUAL  REPORT.  23 


TABULAR     VIEW. 


REMARKS. 


11.  Nothing  of  special  interest  reported.  At  the  Forks  of  the  Kennebec,  where  Mr. 
Turner  has  recently  spent  several  Sabbaths,  meetings  are  very  well  attended,  and  a 
flourishing  Sabbath  School  is  in  progress. 


12.  The  people  at  Blanchard,  during  the  past  year,  have  expended  more  than 
in  completing  and  setting  in  order  the  house  of  God.  A  very  deep  interest  is  taken 
by  them  in  the  cause  of  temperance.  At  Greenville  a  "  goodly  number"  attend  public 
worship  ;  but  they  have  no  sanctuary,  no  organized  Church,  and  but  little  is  done  by 
the  people  themselves  for  the  support  of  preaching.  At  Sangerville,  meetings  are 
■well  attended,  and  there  have  been  pleasing  indications  of  increased  religious  interest. 
In  one  part  of  the  town  a  few  hopeful  conversions  have  occurred. 

13.  A  debt  of  SlOO  is  due  upon  the  meeting-house  in  Bradford,  which  will  soon,  it 
is  believed,  be  liquidated.  The  town  is  increasing  in  population  and  prosperity,  and 
there  is  a  fair  prospect  opening  upon  this  Church  of  stability  and  growth.  From  the 
Church  at  Kenduskeag  some  valuable  members  have  gone  to  the  West.  "  The  gen- 
eral aspect  of  things  is  more  hopeful." 

14.  Since  the  departure  of  Mr.  "Wellington  for  St.  Johnsbiirv,  Vt.,  an  arrangement 
has  been  made  for  the  Rev.  Mr.  Dodd  to  supply  the  pulpit  at  North  Bridgton  one  half 
the  time. 

15.  On  the  30th  of  January  last,  a  new  Church  was  organized  in  this  place  of  eight 
members,  to  which  nine  have  since  been  added.  On  the  same  day  Mr.  Fairfield  was 
ordained,  as  an  evangelist,  but  in  the  expectation  that  he  would  assume  the  pastoral 
care  of  the  new  church  and  the  society  connected  with  it.  Near  the  beginning  of  the 
winter  there  began  to  be  an  unusual  interest  in  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel,  and  sooa 
after  in  prayer  meetings  also.  The  interest  increased,  until  about  the  middle  of 
spring,  when  the  Church  was  much  revived,  and  fifteen  persons  attended  an  inquiring 
meeting.  Twelve,  from  among  the  best  class  of  young  persons  in  the  community, 
have  indulged  hope.  Since  the  last  Sabbath  in  April,  Mr,  Fairfield  has  beea  laid  aside 
by  ill-health.     [On  July  11th,  he  died.] 

16.  About  the  last  of  July,  1854,  Mr.  Gerry  was  able  to  resume  his  labors.  Until 
the  first  of  May,  he  spent  the  most  of  his  time  in  Brownfield.  Since  then,  he  has 
divided  his  time  equally  between  Brownfield  and  Hiram.  In  the  former  place,  those 
who  have  borne  the  burden  of  supporting  the  ministry  for  several  years,  are  beginning 
to  be  disheartened,  for  want  of  co-operation,  where  they  feel  that  they  have  a  right  to 
expect  it ;  and  whether  the  things  that  remain  and  are  ready  to  die  can  be  strength- 
ened, appears  exceedingly  doubtful.    At  Hiram  the  prospect  is  brightening. 

17.  This  people  are  building  a  new  parsonage,  and  the  ladies  are  plying  their  needles 
to  raise  ^100  towards  it.  Church  discipline  is  too  much  neglected,  and  "  the  state  of 
religion  is  very  low." 

18.  "  Temperance  has  made  greater  progress,  than  in  any  former  year  of  my  resi- 
dence here."  "Our  chief  source  of  discouragement  is  the  absence  of  the  greater 
portion  of  our  young  men"  (being  engaged  in  the  lumbering  business)  "  for  a  large 
portion  of  the  year.  The  people  generally  are  coming  to  feel,  that  they  cannot  live 
-without  the  stated  means  of  grace,  and  are  willing  to  do  all,  they  think  they  are  able 
to  do,  for  their  support."  Mr.  Wright  preaches  occasionally  in  several  diff"erent 
neighborhoods  in  the  vicinity  of  Burlington,  some  of  them  eight  or  ten  miles  distant. 


24 


MAINE  MISSIONAEY   SOCIETY. 


TABULAR     VIEW. 


Churches  and  Missionaries. 


19.  Buxton,  North. 
Rev.  Geo.  W.  Cressey,  s.  s. 


20.  Dedham. 
Mr.  Edward  S.  Palmer,  5.  s. 


21.  Dexter. 
Rev.  Philip  Titcomb,  s.  s.        June  27, 1854.  4 


Date  of 
Commission. 


June  27, 1854. 


Aug.  31, 1854. 
Jan.  11,  1855. 


12m 


22.   DiXMONT. 

Mr.  George  A.  Pollard. 


23.  Dover  and  Foxcroft. 
Rev.  Wooster  Parker,  P. 


24.  Durham. 

Rev.  Wm.  V.  Jordan,  s.  s. 

25.  Farmington  Falls. 
Chesterville. 

Rev.  John  Forbush,  s.  s. 

26.  Farmington  Falls. 
Mercer. 

Rev.  John  Forbush,  s.  s. 

27.  Flag  Staff  and  vicinity. 

KiNGFIELIX 

Rev.  David  Turner,  s.  s. 

28.  Frankfort  Mills. 
Rev.  Alfred  L.  Skinner,  s.  s. 

29.  Garland. 
Atkinson. 

Rev.  Peter  B.Thayer,  P. 


Mar.  23, 1855 


June  27, 1854. 


Nov.  20,  ia54.  7 


June  27, 1854. 


Jan.  10,  1855 


June  27, 1854. 
Jan.  11,  1855. 

June  27, 1854. 


June  27, 1854. 
Nov.  1,  1854. 


12  150 


100 


67 


28 


100 


100 


37 
113 


105 


105 


55 


75 


170 


90 


125 


90 


100 


51 


39 


49 


15 


140 


40 


47 


19 


oK 


20 


14 


15 


30  04 


71  33 


8  55 


70 


40   20 


2j  6  50 
3 

30 


ANNUAL  EEPORT.  25 


TABULAR    VIEW. 


IIEMARKS. 


19.  "  We  have  cheering  intelligence  to  communicate,  the  Lord  is  in  the  midst  of  us. 
Early  in  the  spring  an  unusual  seriousness  and  stillness  pervaded  our  Sabbath  assem- 
blies. For  the  past  few  weeks  (June  12)  one  after  another  of  our  young  people  to  the 
number  of  nine  have  been  met  by  the  Spirit,  and  give  pleasing  evidence  of  renewing 
grace.  Others  are  much  concerned  for  their  souls,  whom  we  hope  and  trust  the  Lord 
will  yet  visit  with  His  salvation." 

20.  In  connection  with  the  meeting  of  the  Penobscot  Conference  in  this  place  in 
January  last,  there  has  been  an  increase  of  religious  interest,  and  "  some  souls,"  it  is 
believed,  "  were  converted  to  God.  Four  persons  are  propounded  for  admission  to 
the  Church."  During  the  winter  and  spring  revivals  have  occurred  among  the  Meth- 
odists and  Freewill  Baptists,  among  whom  "a  better  state  of  feeling  exists  towards  us, 
than  has  hitherto  existed." 

21.  This  Church  and  Society,  after  an  arduous  struggle  for  many  years  constantly  to 
sustain  the  institutions  of  religion,  have  been  so  far  weakened  by  the  removal  of  valu- 
able members,  that  they  feel  obliged  for  the  present  to  abandon  the  enterprise. 

22.  For  nearly  a  year  there  had  been  no  stated  congregational  preaching  in  this 
place.  Mr.  Pollard  was  very  kindly  received,  "  considerable  interest  was  evinced  es- 
pecially by  the  young  in  attending  meetings  and  the  Bible  class,  one  hopeful  conver- 
sion occurred,"  and  an  earnest  desire  was  expressed  for  the  continuance  of  Mr.  P.'s 
services.  The  expectation  is,  that  he  will  return  and  spend  a  few  months  with  them, 
previously  to  his  departure  on  a  mission  to  the  Armenians  in  Turkey. 

23.  This  Church  expect  to  raise  §'50  more  for  the  support  of  their  minister  the 
coming  year,  than  they  have  raised  before. 

24.  This  society  is  feeble,  but  having  removed  and  fitted  up  anew  their  house  of 
worship,  they  deemed  it  highly  important  to  secure  the  stated  ministrations  of  the 
Gospel,  and  have  engaged  for  one  year  the  services  of  Mr.  Jordan.  His  report  is — 
"  a  very  pleasant  Sabbath  School — temperance  cause  flourishing — a  small,  united 
Church,  a  pleasant  people,  kindness  and  courtesy  from  all,  an  apparent  eagerness  to 
hear  the  word,  and  prospects  improving." 

25.  Since  the  close  of  Mr.  Forbush's  labors  at  Keith's  Mills  in  Chesterville,  they  have 
been  supplied  one  fourth  of  the  time  with  preaching  on  the  Sabbath  by  Mr.  J.  Buxn- 
ham,  preceptor  of  the  Farmington  Academy. 

26.  A  little  improvement  at  Mercer,  since  the  libors  of  Mr.  Forbush  commenced. 

27.  "The  state  of  things  at  Flag  Staff  is  quite  encouraging  at  the  present  time. 
Meetings  are  well  attended.  They  feel  very  grateful  for  what  theSociety  has  done 
for  them,  and  hope  to  be  remembered  in  future.  There  is  a  large  field  in  this  back 
region,  where  a  missionary  of  the  right  stamp  would  be  useful." 

28.  Since  Mr.  Skinner's  departure  last  winter,  Mr.  P.  B.  Chamberlain  has  supplied, 
and  will  continue  to,  until  the  last  of  July.  They  very  much  need  a  settled,  perma- 
nent ministry. 

29.  The  parsonage  at  Garland,  a  very  good  building,  has  been  completed  and  paid 
for  (nearly)  during  the  past  year.  "  Some  five  or  six  persons,  all  in  the  morning  of 
life,  have  believed,  as  we  hope,  to  the  saving  of  the  soul.  Two  are  pursuing  their 
studies,  and  we  hope  may  by  the  Providence  and  Spirit  of  God  be  directed  to  the 
ministry."  At  Atkinson  nothing  has  occured  of  special  interest.  The  Church  has 
been  weakened  by  removals. 


26 


MAINE   MISSIONARY    SOCIETY. 


TABULAR     VIEW. 


Churches  and  Missionaries. 


30.  GofLDSBOROUGH. 

Mr.  Truman  A.  Merrill. 
Mr.  Samuel  Hopley. 

31.  Gray. 

Rev.  Allen  Lincoln,  P. 


.32.  Harrison. 
Rev.  John  Dodd,  s.  s. 


33.    HOULTON. 

Mr.  C.  P.  Felch,  s.  s. 
Mr.  R.  W.  Emerson,  s.  s. 

HODGDOX. 


34.  Isle  de  Haut. 
Rev.  Joshua  Eaton,  s.  s. 


35.  Industry. 
Mercer. 

Rev.  E.  S.  Hopkins. 

36.  Jackson  and  Brooks. 
Mr.  Greenleaf  Cheney,  s.  s. 


37.  Kennebtjnkport,  1st  p. 
Rev.  John  Baker,  P. 


38.  KiTTERY  Point. 
Rev.  A.  W.  Eiske,  P. 

39.  LiMINGTON. 

Rev.  J.  H.  Garman,  P. 

40.  Lincoln. 

Rev.  Alvan  J.  Bates,  P. 


Date  of 
Commission. 


Aug.  31, 18-54. 
April,  1855. 


June  27, 1854. 


Aug.  1,  1854. 


June  27, 1854. 
Jan.  11,  1855. 


June  27, 1854. 

June  27, 1854. 
June  27, 1854. 
June  27, 1854, 

June  27, 1854. 
June  27, 1854, 
June  27, 1854, 


2m. 


12 


12 


ih 


12 


12 


12 


12 


41 


150 


44 


150 
75 


100 


53 


42 


100 


100 


150 


225' 


100 


125 


125 


50 


75 


100 


75 


150 


95 


no 
ch. 


55 


90 


no 
ch. 


67 


60 


73 


40 


90 


21 


ss 


oW 


43* 


18 


13  50 


20  87 


3  16 


20  11 


24  25* 


12  76 


23  75 


26  79 


11  79 


12 


ANNUAL   EEPORT.  27 

TABULAR    VIEW. 

REMARKS. 


30.  "  In  the  different  portions  of  this  town  there  are  (1854)  six  or  seven  Sabbath 
Schools — two  of  which  are  conducted  wholly  by  ladies. — Most  of  the  people  respect 
the  institutions  of  religion."  Since  the  short  mission  of  Mr.  Hopley  the  last  spring 
some  effort  has  been  made  to  procure  means  for  his  permanent  support,  should  he 
labor  among  them  again. 

31.  "  This  Church  is  in  a  low  and  depressed  condition.  Several  of  our  more  promi- 
nent and  leading  men  have  removed  to  other  parts  of  the  country,  some  who  have 
always  been  pillars  have  fallen,  and  we  look  in  vain  for  others  to  rise  up  and  supply 
their  places.  The  congregation  is  not  diminished,  nor  is  the  Sabbath' School  smaller 
than  usual,  and  one  hopeful  conversion  of  a  most  interesting  character  has  convinced 
us,  that  God  has  not  entirely  forsaken  this  part  of  his  Zion." 

32.  "Five  or  six  families  have  moved  away  during  the  year,  three  of  whom  were  mem- 
bers of  the  Church — a  great  loss  to  the  Church,  the  Sabbath  School,  and  will  hereafter 
be  in  pecuniary  support."  Since  the  commencement  of  the  present  year  (18r5.5)  Mr. 
Dodd  has  divided  his  Sabbaths  between  Harrison  and  North  Bridgton,  in  the  latter  of 
which  places  he  now  resides. 

33.  Mr.  Felch's  valuable  services  at  Houlton  ceased  in  December  last.  Since  then 
Mr.  Emerson  has  supplied  three-fourths  of  the  time  there,  and  one-fourth  at  Hodgdon. 
Both  these  Churches  are  feeble  ;  but  they  know  not  how  to  live  without  the  Gospel. 
Since  Mr.  Emerson  came  to  Houlton,  the  congregation  has  increased,  and  his  services 
we  are  told  have  been  "  very  acceptable." 

34.  No  Church  has  yet  been  organized,  though  "as  many  as  ten  or  twelve  persons 
give  evidence  of  piety.  The  good  women  here  feel  that  we  must  have  a  chapel,  and 
have  moved  in  the  thing."  Some  donations  have  been  obtained  for  this  purpose  in 
Massachusetts,  and  more  have  been  promised. 

35.  The  Church  in  Industry  has  been  for  many  years  without  a  pastor,  and  its 
strength  has  been  very  considerably  weakened  of  late.  Mr.  Burnhara  of  Farmiifgton, 
has  been  requested  to  supply  them  with  preaching  on  the  Sabbath. 

36.  Mr.  Cheney's  services  were  highly  acceptable,  but  he  was  obliged  to  leave  be- 
fore winter,  and  was  not  able  to  return  in  the  spring,  on  account  of  feeble  health. 
They  have  had  several  Sabbaths'  preaching  at  Jackson  from  students  of  the  Bangor 
Seminary. 

37.  "  The  heaviest  subscriber  for  the  support  of  the  ministry  having  removed  from 
town,  the  young  men  in  the  society  (most  of  them  out  of  the  Church)  rallied  and 
made  up  the  deficiency." 

38.  The  pastor  of  this  Church  has  united  during  the  past  winter  with  two  other 
ministers  of  Baptist  denominations,  in  sustaining  weekly  religious  meetings  in  five 
school  districts.  They  have  been  well  attended,  and  are  to  be  continued.  He  has 
delivered  a  series  of  discourses,  endeavoring  to  make  them  in  a  good  degree  practical, 
on  Church  history — beginning  with  the  advent  of  Christ.  Some  progress,  but  many 
discouragements. 

39.  Some  improvement  in  the  condition  of  this  Church  and  Society  during  the 
year.  An  unusual  religious  interest  among  the  young,  resulting  in  several  hopeful 
conversions. 

40.  A  year  of  more  than  usual  encouragement.  "  Though  we  have  had  no  revival 
in  the  Church,  yet  God  has  been  pleased  in  a  still,  silent  way  to  move  upon  the  hearts 
of  several,  so  that  they  have  experience:),  as  we  hope,  a  saving  change.  There  is 
seriousness  at  present  (June  4)  upon  the  minds  of  some." 


28 


MAINE   MISSIONARY   SOCIETY. 


TABULAR     VIEW. 


Churches  and  Missionaries. 


41.  Litchfield,  (Corner.) 
Rev.  Benjamin  Smith,  P. 

42.  Litchfield, 

{Pleasant  Valley.) 
Mr.  J.  H.  P.  Frost. 

43.  LOVELL. 

Rev.  Joseph  Smith,  P. 


44.  Machiasport. 

Whitneyville. 
Rev.  G.  Bacheller,  s.  s. 


45.  Madison. 

South  Anson. 
Rev.  Thos.  G.  Mitchell,  s.  s. 


46.  Maple  Grove,     ) 
Fort  Fairfield,  J 
Salmon  Brook, 
Letters  F  and  H. 

Rev.-  Elbridge  Knight,  s.  s. 

47.  Mechanic  Falls. 
Rev.  Enos  Merrill,  P. 

48.  Monmouth. 

Rev.  J.  H.  Conant,  s.  s, 
Fayette. 

49.  MoNSON. 

Rev.  Horatio  Ilsley,  P. 

50.  Mount  Desert. 
Rev.  Samuel  Bowker,  s.  s. 


51.  Naples. 
Raymond. 

Rev.  N.  W.  Sheldon,  s.  s. 

52.  Newfield,  West. 
Rev.  William  Pierce,  s.  s. 


Date  of 
Commission. 


June  27, 1854. 

June  1,  1854. 
June  27, 1854. 

June  27, 1854. 

June  27, 1854. 

June  27, 1854. 

June  27, 1854. 

June  27, 1854. 
Oct.  24,  1854. 

June  27, 1854. 


June  27, 1854. 
Aug.  21, 1854. 


Sept.  9,  1854. 


June  27, 1854, 
Nov.  15, 1854, 


12m 

12 
12 
12 

7 
12 


12 


100 


42  33 


100 


100 


150 


145 
150 


126 
28 


150 


91 


100 


100 


68 


12 


50 

30 
17 
80 

106 


no 

ch. 

10 


73 


oW 


8  55 
5 


14  48 

15  02 


14 
6 

61 
20 

39  34 
48 


20 


27  83 


33 
10 

53  04 
11 


ANNUAL   REPOHT.  29 


TABULAR    VIEW. 


REMARKS. 


41.  "No  marked  change,  in  relation  to  the  circumstances  or  prospects  of  this 
Church,  have  occurred  during  the  past  year.  More  has  been  done  to  sustain  the  Gos- 
pel this  year,  than  ever  before,  with  but  a  small  increase  of  means.  They  h;ive  done 
what  they  could,  and  have  done  it  promptly." 

42.  For  the  present  the  attempt  to  build  up  a  separate  society  in  this  neighborhood 
has  been  relinquished.     Mr.  Smith  now  spends  a  fifth  of  his  Sabbaths  here. 

43.  The  last  winter  "  there  was  a  very  encouraging  interest  in  both  parts  of  the 
parish  ;  several  were  a  good  deal  quickened,  there  was  much  wrestling  prayer,  and 
some  interest  among  the  impeTiitent,  but  the  enemy  sowed  discord,  and  the  Spirit  was 
grieved  away."  A  bell  has  recently  been  purchased  for  the  house  of  worship  at  the 
village — "an  enterprise  started  and  carried  forward  by  the  Ladies'  Sewing  Circle. 
Their  next  move  will  be  for  a  parsonage." 

44.  A  more  interesting  state  of  religion  at  Machiasport,  than  for  a  long  time  be- 
fore. Christians  more  engaged,  a  good  attendance  on  the  means  of  grace,  error  losing 
ground,  and  one  man,  a  sei-captain,  has  indulged  hope,  and  appears  well.  At  Whit- 
niiyville  an  effort  has  been  made  to  set  the  Church  in  order,  which  it  is  believed  they 
will  carry  through. 

45.  The  pecuniary  strength  of  the  society  at  Madison  has  been  somewhat  increased 
during  the  year.  "  Our  Sabbath  School  is  in  a  flourishing  condition.  Nearly  all  the 
children  in  the  village,  of  a  suitable  age,  attend  it." 

46.  Very  little  progress,  if  any,  in  this  region.  It  is  still  a  day  of  small  things.  Dur- 
ing the  past  year  Mr.  Knight  has  been  taken  off  much  more  than  is  desirable,  for  the 
appropriate  work  of  the  ministry,  by  secular  cares.  It  is  confidently  believed,  that, 
there  will  not  be  again  the  same  urgent  demand  for  this,  as  has  existed  the  past  year. 

47.  Several  families,  including  four  church  members,  have  removed  to  other  towns, 
therebv  lessening  somewhat  the  congregation.  By  removals  and  death  some  of  the 
most  reliable  church  members  have  been  taken  away.  "  There  is  some  progress  in  a 
disposition  to  sustain  benevolent  objects." 

48.  Nothing  of  special  interest  reported  from  Monmouth.  Nothing  as  yet  done 
towards  building  a  house  of  worship.  At  Fayette  Mills  a  good  congregation  can  be 
collecled,  but  the  number  of  resident  church  members  has  been  lessened. 

49.  "  Sabbath  School  in  a  good  condition.     Temperance  triumphant." 

50.  Nothing  of  special  interest  reported  from  this  large  field,  including  some  200 
families  resident  in  five  towns. 

51.  Mr.  Sheldon  was  very  kindly  received.  No  other  preaching  at  Raymond,  while 
he  was  there.  Earnest  desire  expressed  by  individuals  in  both  places  for  the  con- 
tinued services  of  a  congregational  minister.  The  organization  of  a  Ct.urch  in  Naples 
is  thought  desirable. 

52.  "  Sabbath  School  does  well.  The  cause  of  temperance  prospers.  l"he  new  law 
works  like  a  charm.  No  one  dares  sell— hence  but  very  little  drinking.  Good  atten- 
tion is  given  to  the  Word  preached.  More  of  our  young  people  have  left  for  the 
"West  than  visual." 


30 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 


TABULAR     VIEW. 


Churches  and  Missionaries^ 


53.  Norway. 
Rev.  Asa  T.  Loring,  P. 


54.  No.  11, 
Masakdis. 
Salmon  Brook. 
Fort  Kent. 
Rev.  M.  R.  Keep,  s.  s. 


55.  Orland. 
Rev.  Hiram  Houston,  P. 


56.  Orono. 
Rev.  St.  L.  Bowler,  s.  s. 


67.  Orrington,  East. 
Mr.  Samuel  Hopley, 


,58.  Oxford. 

West  Minot. 
Rev.  Geo.  F.  Tewksbury,  s.  s. 


59.  Passadumkeao. 
Rev.  Wm.  H.  Merrill,  s.  s. 
(for  half  the  time.) 


60.  Patten. 

(for  one-fourth  of  the  time.) 
Vicinity  of  Patten. 
Rev.  Ephraim  Fobes. 


61.  Perry. 
Mr.  i  am'es  W.  Kidder,  5.  s. 


Date  of 
Commission. 


June  27,  1854 
Aug.  31,  1854. 


June  27, 1854 

June  27, 1854 
Oct.  1,  lSo4. 
Aug.  31, 1854. 

May  4,  1854. 


June  27, 1854 
Aug.  31, 1854 


Jan.  11,  1855 


Aug.  31, 1854.  10 


2m. 

10 


12 


12 


25 
167 


112 


150 


150 


66 


100 


37 
150 


30 


100   I 


175 


lOO 


100 


100 


75 


75 


85 


36 


10 
no 
ch. 


29 


50 


67 


44 
25 


20  25 


50 


20 


65 


100 


29  29 


15 


24 


60 


AJS^VAL  EEPORT.  31 

TABUIiAR    VIEW. 


REMARKS, 


53.  On  the  3d  of  January  last  Mr.  Loring  was  installed  pastor  of  this  Churchy 
Under  date  of  June  14  he  thus  reports—"  Our  numerical  strength  continues  about  the 
same.  The  character  of  our  congregation  for  stability  has  greatly  improved. 
Our  Sabbath  School  is  more  than  usually  promising.  This  spring  a  class  of  young 
men  has  been  formed  numbering  about  a  dozen.  Our  prayer  meetmgs  for  the  last 
three  months  have  been  more  than  usually  interesting.  Some  indications  of  more 
than  usual  seriousness  on  the  part  of  several  impenitent  persons,  and  quite  recently 
there  have  occurred  two  or  three  hopeful  conversions." 

54.  More  than  usual  religions  interest  was  manifested  the  last  fall  in  No.  11,  and 
some  two  or  three  cases  occurred  of  hopeful  conversion.  No  one  has  yet  been  ob- 
tained for  Fort  Kent. 

55.  An  addition  to  this  society  is  reported  of  "  one  or  two  families."  The  Sabbath 
School  is  larger  than  ever  before.     The  people  have  added  «(.50  to  the  pastor's  salary. 

56.  "  "We  are  encouraged  by  the  presence  of  the  Spirit,  and  its  effectual  working. 
Our  prayer  is,  that  it  may  not  soon  depart  from  among  us." 

57.  This  Church  and  people  have  been  supplied  the  greater  part  of  the  time  during 
the  year  by  students  from  the  Seminary  in  Bangor.  They  have  now  a  parsonage,  and 
are  hoping  soon  to  obtain  a  pastor.  The  labors  of  Mr.  Davis  among  them  ceased  with 
the  close  of  the  last  missionary  year. 

58.  The  whole  number  of  congregational  families  in  Oxford  is  fifteen.  The  Church- 
has  been  much  reduced  and  weakened  by  deaths  and  removals;  but  some  signs  of 
spiritual  life  remain,  and  a  little  band  of  sisters,  and  a  few  brethren  who  appear  to  be 
earnestly  engaged  in  prayer  for  the  Holy  Spirit,  encourage  the  pastor  in  his  efforts 
At  West  Minot  a  new  (union)  Church  has  recently  been  built.  In  that  place  and 
Hebron  are  ten  congregational  families.  Recent  prospects  are  quite  encouraging^  ■ 
For  the  present  Mr.  Tewksbury  preaches  at  West  Minot  one-fourth  of  the  time.  In 
the  fall  the  way  will  be  open  for  congregational  preaching  one-half  the  time. 

59.  This  Church  always  weak,  save  in  faith  and  courage,  has  become  unable  to  do 
as  much  as  heretofore  for  the  support  of  preaching,  and  has  been  obliged  to  abandon 
the  enterprise  of  building  a  house  of  worship.  Mr.  Merrill  left  them  in  April  last, 
and  is  now  laboring  at  Deer  Isle.  Since  his  departure  they  have  had  but  little 
preaching. 

60.  "  Patten  village  has  been*  favored,  since  the  year  commenced,  with  a  revivalof 
religion.  A  number  (all  of  them  young  persons)  have  been  hopefully  converted — in- 
cluding three  or  four  of  the  children  of  that  little  Church."  Mr.  Fobes  has  preached 
in  the  village  one-fourth  of  the  time  during  the  last  six  months.  He  has  also  sup- 
plied (for  how  many  Sabbaths  is  not  reported)  at  Island  Falls,  Fairfield's  Mills  and 
No.  3. 

61.  This  Church  and  people  have  been  for  several  years  without  a  pastor,  and  while 
men  slept,  tares  have  been  sown,  in  the  form  of  another  Gospel.  Evangelical  relig- 
ion, however,  has  too  strong  a  hold  among  this  people  to  bo  rooted  out.  Father 
Kellogg's  services  are  still  remembered  with  interest,  and  the  truths  which  he  taught 
are  regarded  as  sacred  and  precious.  Being  without  a  choir  of  singers,  they  have 
expended  during  the  year  §80  for  the  interests  of  sacred  music  and  530  for  a  Sabbath 
School  library.  The  Sabbath  School  suffers  for  want  of  suitable  teachers.  On  the 
whole  the  prospect  is  brightening. 


32 


MAINE   MISSIONARY    SOCIETY. 


TABULAR    VIEW. 


Churches  and  Missionaries. 


62.  Phillips. 
Rev.  Samuel  L.  Gould,  s.  s. 


63.  Poland. 
Rev.  Stephen  Gould,  P. 


64.  Portland. 

(Abt/ssinian  Church.) 
Rev.  Benjamin  Lynch,  s.  s. 


65.  RocKPOUT,  (in  Camden.) 
Rev.  James  B.  Howard,  s.  s. 


66.    RUMFORD. 

Rev.  J.  G.  Merrill,  5.  s. 


67.  Sanford. 
Rev.  Stephen  Bailey,  s.  s. 


68.  Searsport,  East. 
Rev.  David  Thurston,  s.  s. 


69.  Sedgwick. 
Rev.  Lewis  Goodrich,  s.  s. 


Date  of 
Commission. 


June  27, 1854. 


June  27, 1854 


Apr.  10, 1854 


Aug.  31, 1854, 
Oct.  1,  1854. 


70.  St.  Albans,  and  vicinity. 
Rev.  Henry  White,  s.  s.  June  27, 1854. 10 


12m 


12 


12 


14 


July  10,  1854.  8 


June  27, 1854.  3;^ 


Jan.  11,  1855.  6 


June  27, 1854 


12 


225 


50 


200 


35 
150 


84 


39 


50 


200 


50 


60 


100 


100 


125 


48 


150 


38 


44 


43 


24    1 


<!  < 


125      62 
80 


56 


33 


£.i 

a> 

'.? 

O    CO 

M'^ 

^ 

V,5 

o 

t^ 

o3 

o 

oW 

[M 

4  25 


15  50 


11* 


16  83 


15* 


1    23 


16 


ANNUAL   REPORT.  33 


TABULAR    VIE  W. 


REMARKS. 


62.  "Decided  improvement  during  the  year,  and  a  better  prospect  of  progress  for 
the  future.  Our  average  congregation  at  the  village,  and  on  the  hill,  has  been  one- 
third  larger  the  past  year,  than  it  was  the  year  previous.  Of  those  added  to  the 
Church,  two  are  heads  of  families,  not  yet  advanced  to  middle  age,  the  other  two  are 
young." 

63.  "For  the  year  now  commencing  we  expect  no  aid  from  the  M.  M.  S.,  and  re- 
serve our  money  for  our  own  use."  The  thought  of  being  thrown  upon  their  own 
resources,  "  instead  of  discouraging  them,  has  awakened  more  energy." 

64.  This  society  cf  colored  people  consists  of  thirty-five  families.  The  annual  rent 
of  pews  amounts  to  $125.  §75  more  are  raised  by  the  Church  for  the  pastor's  sup- 
port. The  Sabbath  School  numbers  fifty-nine,  and  is  in  a  prosperous  condition.  Mr. 
Lynch  enjoys  the  confidence  of  the  christian  community,  and  is  laboring  diligently 
for  the  good  of  his  people. 

65.  The  beautiful  chapel,  erected  during  the  last  year  by  this  infant  society,  was 
completed  in  December,  and  the  pews  in  it  were  rented  for  g250.  On  the  same  day 
with  the  dedication  of  the  house,  Mr.  Howard  was  ordained,  as  pastor  of  that  Church, 
with  very  fair  prospects  of  useflilnpss.  But  since  then  his  health  has  failed,  and  "the 
probability  is  that  he  will  be  compelled  to  leave." 

66.  "A  growing  attachment  to  the  ordinances  of  the  Gospel."  Three  hopeful 
conversions  and  "others  kno^vn  to  be  inquiring."  New  movements  of  late  in  the 
cause  of  temperance. 

67.  For  several  months  after  the  departure  of  Mr.  Bailey  there  was  no  congrega- 
tional preaching  in  this  place.  In  May  and  June  the* were  supplied  for  several 
Sabbaths  by  Rev.  Edmund  Burt. 

68.  Within  the  bounds  of  what  is  considered  the  east  parish  in  Searsport  are  forty 
families,  twenty-five  of  which  may  be  regarded  as  congregational.  A  Church  has  not  yet 
been  organized,  but  will  be  probably  soon.  There  is  a  good  attendance  on  the  Sabbath, 
and  at  weekly  lectures  ;  the  Sabbath  School  is  well  attended  by  more  than  half  the  con- 
gregation. The  people  are  enterprising — "more  than  seventy  of  them  between  the 
ages  of  four  and  twenty-one" — and  the  expectation  is,  that  they  will  not  long  need 
missionary  aid ;  perhaps  only  for  the  present  year. 

69.  "  The  congregational  interest  is  gaining.  The  attendance  on  Sabbath  services 
has  been  good,  and  for  the  last  six  months  more  than  usual  religious  interest.  The 
Church  has  been  truly  revived,  and  many  of  the  impenitent  seemed  deeply  affected. 
We  hope  some  have  been  truly  born  again,  but  dare  not  speak  with  confidence.  Four 
persons  have  been  added  to  the  Church,  and  many  others  are  expecting  to  join  us." 

70.  There  is  joy  in  heaven  over  one  sinner  that  repenteth.  Mr.  White  reports  the 
hopeful  conversion  of  one  individual — the  mother  of  five  children — who  before  the  first 
Sabbath  of  January  last  had  not  attended  meeting  for  a  year  and  a  half.  In  this 
town  of  1800  inhabitants,  Mr.  W.  is  the  only  resident  minister  of  any  denomination, 
who  has  any  regular  appointment  on  the  Sabbath.  "  With  the  exception  of  a 
small,  unpainted  meeting  house,  belonging  to  the  Society  of  Friends,  there  is  no 
house  in  town  built  for  religious  worship."  No  Sabbath  School,  when  Mr.  White 
commenced  his  labors;  now  there  are  tiiree. 

3 


34 


MAINE  MISSIONARY   SOCIETY. 


TABULAR     VIEW. 


Churches  and  Missionaries. 


71.  South  Berwick, 

(Old  Fields.) 
Rev.  Abijah  Cross. 


72.  South  Solon. 

Madison  Mills. 
Rey.  Erastus  Curtiss,  s.  s. 


73.  Springfield.  ") 
Lee.  5- 

Carroll.        ) 

Rev.  Lot  B.  Sullivan. 

Rev.  Alvan  J.  Bates. 


74.  Standish. 
Rev.  James  B.  Hadley,  P. 


75.  Strong.  ' 

Rev.  Wm.  Davenport. 


76.  Sumner.  } 

South  Hartford,  y 
Rev.  Benj.  G.  Willey,  P. 


77.  Sweden. 
Rev.  Charles  B.  Smith,  5. 


78.  Turner. 
Rev.  C.  N.  Ransom,  s.  s. 


79.  Templb. 
Rev.  Simeon  Hackett,  s,  a. 


Date  of 

Commission. 


Dec.  1,  1855. 


June  1,  1834. 


Aug.  31, 1854. 
June  27, 1854. 


June  27, 1854. 
June  27, 1854. 

June  27, 1854. 
Aug.  31, 1854. 

March  20,  '55. 
June  27, 1854. 


12 


12 


12 


12 


10 


12 


21 


126 


126 


150 


84 


125 


48 


100 


150 


150 


75 


41 
no 

eh. 


IS 


62 


63 
res. 


76 


38 


78 


40 
res. 


2  50 


26  62 


18  50 


21 


25  56 


11  15 


15  67 


ANNUAL   REPORT. 


TABULAR    VIEW. 


35 


REMARKS. 


71.  In  these  "old  fields,"  as  they  are  called,  lying  on  t\e  borders  of  South  Berwick 
and  Elliot,  Mr.  Plummer  (now  a  missionary  in  Turkey)  had  labored  gratuitously  for 
several  months,  and  the  way  was  prepared,  in  his  judgment,  and  that  of  the  pastor 
of  the  South  Berwick  Church,  for  a  hborer  to  follow  him  in  commission  from  the  M. 
M.  S.,  with  the  hope  of  finding  a  neio  field  for  permanent  cultivation.  A  mission  vas 
given  to  Mr.  Cross  for  three  months,  but  he  has  found  himself  unable,  by  reason  of 
sickness  in  his  family,  to  fulfill  it,  save  for  three  weeks  only. 

72.  After  completing  his  first  year's  engagement,  Mr.  Curtiss  was  expecting  to  stay 
another  year  at  iSouth  Solon,  when  he  was  suddenly  called  to  Massachusetts  by  the 
sickness  of  an  only  son  about  the  first  of  May.  His  services  were  in  a  very  good  de- 
gree acceptable  and  useful.  The  attendance  was  good  on  the  regular  services  of  the 
Sabbath,  and  at  lectures  and  prayer  meetings.  An  arrangement  has  been  made 
with  Rev.  S.  Turner  of  Bingham,  to  preach  in  this  place  one-half  of  the  time. 

73.  The  members  of  this  little  flock  of  christians  love  the  ordinances  of  the  Gospel, 
and  are  willing  even  beyond  their  power  to  sustain  them.  Could  the  right  man  be 
found  to  labor  in  this  field,  and  be  kept  in  it  for  several  months,  others  might  be  in- 
duced to  come  to  their  help,  and  the  institutions  of  religion,  with  a  strong  helping 
hand  from  the  M.  M.  S..  be  permanently  maintained.  [Mr.  C.  H.  Emerson  has  begun 
a  mission  in  this  field  for  six  months.] 

74.  "  Harmony  in  the  Church.  The  state  of  things  quiet  and  pleasant  during  the 
year.     Sabbath  School  more  than  usually  interesting." 

75.  "  Sabbath  School  and  Bible  Class  never  so  promising  as  the  present  year.  The 
pastor  has  a  large  class  of  adults,  and  the  pastor's  wife  a  larger  one."  When  the 
pastor  was  confined  last  Fall  by  sickness,  he  invited  some  of  the  children  to  visit  hira 
once  a  week  for  the  purpose  of  religious  conversation.  These  meetings,  conducted 
partly  as  inquiring  meetings,  were  continued  five  months.  "Several  who  attended 
them  are  now  indulging  hope  in  Christ." 

76.  The  new  meetinghouse  is  not  yet  going  up,  but  a  Ladies'  Sewing  Circle  are 
getting  funds  for  it.  Nearly  all  the  congregation,  parents  and  children,  old  and 
young,  are  constant  attendants  on  the  Sabbath  School.  "  Temperance  strength  ig 
much  greater  now,  than  it  was  two  years  ago.  The  Maine  law  finds  general  favor. 
Some  of  the  most  hardened  cases  of  opposition  have  come  over." 

77.  "  Our  congregation  has  considerably  increased  since  the  opening  of  the  Spring. 
A  new  Sabbath  School  his  recently  been  established  in  a  remote  part  of  the  town, 
with  flattering  prospects  of  good  to  a  large  number  of  parents  and  children,  who  have 
no  other  means  of  grace." 

78.  During  most  of  the  year  this  place  has  been  supplied  with  preaching  on  the 
Sabbath  by  Mr.  Elliot  of  Auburn.  Since  the  close  of  Mr.  Ransom's  mission,  a  call 
has  been  given  to  Rev.  Sidney  Holman  from  Massachusetts.  It  is  expected  that  the 
new  house  of  worship  at  the  village  will  be  finished  in  the  course  of  the  coming 
season. 

79.  This  is  a  feeble  Church  and  Society,  unable  to  give  one-half  of  what  is  needed 
to  furnish  an  adequate  support  for  a  minister.  There  is  some  prospect  of  enlarge- 
ment by  the  return  of  several  young  men  to  settle  in  the  place,  who  have  been  for 
some  years  absent. 


36 


MAINE   MISSIONARY   SOCIETY. 


TABULAR    VIEW. 


Churches  and  Missionaries. 


SO.  Union. 
Eev.  Daniel  F.  Potter,  P. 


81.  Unity. 

Thorndike. 
Freedom. 
Eev.  Nath'l  Chapman,  ».  s. 


82.  Vassalborough. 

Sidney. 
Bev.  David  Thurston,  s.  5. 


83.  Washington. 
Rev.  N.  W.  Sheldon, 
(one-half  the  time.) 


M.   WATERVIT.LB. 

Rev.  R.  B.  Thurston,  P. 


86.  Weld. 
Rev.  J.  B.  WheehvTight,  P. 
Rev.  Stephen  Titcomb,  P. 


88.  Westbrook,  1st  parish. 
Rev.  C.  N.  Ransom,  s.  s. 


87.  Wilton. 
Rev.  Alpha  Morton,  s.  s. 


Date  of 
Commission. 


June  27, 1854. 


June  27, 1854 


June  27,  1854 


Feb.  7,  1855. 


Jan.  11,  1855, 


June  27. 1854. 
March  1,  '55. 


June  27, 1854, 


May  15,  1854. 


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3  OT 


ANNUAL   REPORT.  37 


TABULAR    VIEW. 


REMARKS. 


80.  Several  families  and  two  young  men,  embracing  seven  Church  members,  have 
left  the  place,  "reducing  our  pecuniary  and  spiritual  strength."  "A  good  degree  of 
zeal  is  manifested  to  sustain  the  ordinances  of  religion.  Some  spiritual  progress  we 
trust  has  been  realized,  and  some  approximation  made  towards  the  conviction,  that  a 
more  earnest  piety  is  demanded,  if  we  would  as  christians  do  the  work  of  the  Master." 

81.  ''  The  people  in  Unity  grow  fewer  in  number,  because  so  many  move  away,  and 
consequently  our  meetings  are  thin.  The  people  in  Freedom  have  strongly  desired 
to  have  preaching  one-half  the  time  instead  of  one-fourth,  and  will  pay  in  proportion." 
They  have  no  meetinghouse  in  town,  but  "have  raised  money  to  finish  the  second 
story  in  the  Academy  for  a  place  of  worship."  For  the  coming  year  Mr.  Chapman  is 
expecting  to  divide  his  Sabbaths  equally  between  Unity  and  P'reedom. 

82.  The  very  valuable  services  of  Mr.  Thurston  in  this  portion  of  the  vineyard 
ceased  with  the  Inst  Sabbath  of  December.  Since  then  the  two  places  have  been  sup- 
plied with  preaching  the  most  of  the  time  by  the  Secretary  of  the  M.  M.  S.  Nothing 
has  occurred  of  special  interest. 

83.  This  people  have  been  for  several  years  without  a  pastor,  and  much  of  the  time 
without  preaching.  It  is  not  surprising  that  "  vital  religion  "  should  be  found  "  at  a 
low  ebb."  Mr.  S.  seems  to  have  labored  diligently,  and  meetings  increased  in  interest 
and  solemnity,  until  in  JVlay  he  found  it  necessary  to  leave  for  a  few  Sabbaths.  At 
Bremen,  where  he  has  labored  alternately  with  Washington,  there  has  been  a  very 
general  awakening.  Many  profess  to  have  turned  to  the  Lord,  some  of  whom  it  is 
hoped  will  unite  themselves  to  the  Congregational  Church. 

84.  The  members  of  this  Church  and  Society  have  not  found  themselves  able  to 
accomplish  all  which  a  year  since  they  expected  to  do.  For  another  year,  therefore, 
they  have  received  some  assistance.  They  are  now  without  a  pastor,  (the  Rev. 
Richard  B.  Thurston,  after  a  seven  years  laborious  and  faithful  service,  having  been 
recently  dismissed,  and  gone  to  Chicopee  in  Massachusetts,)  but  are  hoping  soon  to 
be  supplied. 

85.  During  the  last  Fall  there  was  a  precious  revival  in  the  Sabbath  School  in  this 
place.  Nine  were  hopefully  converted,  and  some  wanderers  returned.  Among  those 
who  hoped  in  Christ  was  a  blind  girl,  who  had  lost  also  the  use  of  her  limbs.  In  De- 
cember ths  Rev.  Mr.  Wheelwright,  after  a  ministry  of  five  years,  much  to  the  regret 
of  his  people,  was  dismissed,  and  is  now  at  Westbrook.  The  Rev.  Stephen  Titcomb, 
now  pastor  of  the  Church,  was  ordained  June  6th,  and  reports  June  22d  some  encour- 
aging indications. 

86.  Mr.  Ransom's  faithful  services  in  Westbrook  ceased  the  last  October.  Since 
then,  the  Rev.  J.  B.  Wheelwright  has  been  engaged  to  supply  them  at  their  own  ex- 
pense, without  missionary  aid  ;  and  present  appearances,  so  far  as  things  external  are 
concerned,  are  highly  favorable. 

87.  This  town  has  been  largely  blessed  by  the  influences  of  the  Spirit,  in  which  the 
Congregational  Society  has  shared.  They  are  hoping  to  build  a  new  house  of  wor- 
ship, to  be  under  their  ei.tire  control,  in  the  village  ;  and  have  subscribed  ,^50  more 
towards  the  support  of  their  minister  for  the  coming  year. 


38 


MAINE   MISSIONARY   SOCIETY. 


TABULAR     YIEW. 


Churches  and  Missionaries. 

Date  of 
Commission. 

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83.   WlNSLOW. 

Key.  David  Shepley,  s.  s. 

89.  York,  2d  parish. 
Kev.  Morris  Holman,  P. 

90.  Woolwich. 
Rev.  B.  S.  Drake,  a.  a. 

June  27, 1854. 
Aug.  31, 1854. 

June  27, 1854. 
Jan,  1855. 

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ANNUAL   REPORT.  39 

TABULAR    VIEW 


REMARKS. 


88.  "  The  Summer  and  earlv  Fall  seasons  were  very  pleasant  in  the  congregation. 
During  that  time  a  limited  number  were  anxiously  inquiring  for  the  way  of  life,  and  a 
part  of  the  members  of  the  Church  were  revived  and  refreshed."  In  the  course  of 
four  years  this  society  have  increased  the  amount  of  their  subscriptions  by  gl2o. 
By  the  death  of  Hon.  Thomas  Rice  the  Church  has  lost  a  member  "  whose  pecuniary 
means  were  about  eauil  to  those  of  all  the  rest." 

89.  This  society  have  voted  the  present  year  for  the  first  time  to  raise  for  the  sup- 
port of  their  minister  a  definite  sum.  A  sum  less  than  it  should  be  ;  but  one  step  in 
the  right  direction  will  lead  on,  it  may  be  hoped,  to  still  farther  improvement.  ^ 

90.  This  people  have  subscribed  more  liberally,  than  they  had  been  accustomed  to 
do  ;  but  not  enough  to  sustain  their  minister  without  aid.  For  reasons,  unnecessary 
to  mention,  this  field  was  not  included  in  those  reported  at  the  missionary  meeting. 


40  MAINE   MISSIONARY    SOCIETY. 


SUMMARY. 


The  fields  of  labor  occupied  by  our  missionaries  during  the  year 
have  been  90 — comprising  92  churches,  and  above  30  towns  and  plan- 
tations, where  are  no  churches.  Of  the  several  places  thus  occupied  41 
have  been  supplied  all  the  time  ;  1 3  three-fourths ;  1 7  one-half  and 
upwards,  and  21  one-fourth  and  upwards. 

The  missionaries  employed  have  been  89  ;  of  whom  75  were  ordained 
ministers.  Fifty -two  have  been  in  commission  all  the  year;  19  for 
six  months  and  upwards,  and  18  for  periods  less  than  six  months. 
During  the  year  2  pastors  of  missionary  churches,  and  8,  who  for 
twelve  months  or  more  had  been  stated  supplies,  have  relinquished 
their  several  charges  ;  of  w^hom  7  are  still  laboring  in  the  State  as 
pastors  or  stated  supplies  of  other  churches.  Over  3  of  our  mission- 
ary churches'  pastors  have  been  ordained,  and  one,  having  the  pastoral 
care  of  a  missionary  church,  has  been  ordained  as  an  evangelist.  The 
aggregate  of  labor  performed  has  been  equal  to  that  of  sixty-seven 
years  ;  and  that  portion  of  it,  for  which  remuneration  has  been  received 
from  this  Society,  to  about  twenty-four  years. 

Of  the  three  missionary  churches  of  the  year,  which,  agreeably  to  a 
statement  in  the  last  annual  report,  assumed  a  self-supporting  condi- 
tion, one  has  found  it  necessary  to  receive  some  assistance,  and  another 
for  two  years  independent  has  again  come  under  our  patronage. 

Three  or  four,  usually  assisted,  have  been  able  during  the  past  year 
to  dispense  with  missionary  aid.  In  two  other  instances,  Avhat  were 
reckoned  as  separate  missionary  fields  have  become  associated  with 
others,  and  some  there  are  so  feeble  and  lifeless,  as  neither  to  ask  aid, 
nor  to  hold  out  encouragement  for  affording  it.  These  statements  may 
in  part  account  for  the  fact,  that  our  missionary  fields  have  been  less 
in  number  (by  two)  than  in  the  year  preceding. 

Another  occasion  for  this  fact,  as  for  the  diminished  number  of  our 
missionaries,  (89  instead  of  96)  may  be  found  in  the  necessity  of  in- 
creased appropriations,  growing  out  of  the  increased  expensiveness 
of  living. 

Additions  of  this  kind  have  been  made — in  some  instances  on  the 
condition,  cheerfully  complied  with,  of  increased  subscriptions  by  the 
people — amounting  in  all  to  $458. 

The  number  added  to  the  several  churches  for  the  past  year  has 


SUMMARY.  41 


been,  by  profession  107,  by  letter  47,  in  all  154.  The  whole  number 
of  members,  including  many  non-residents,  is  4334.  The  whole 
number  of  hopeful  conversions  reported  is  196,  nearly  double  the 
number  of  the  year  preceding.  The  places,  most  highly  favored  by 
the  gracious  influences  of  the  Spirit,  have  been  North  Belfast,  Wilton, 
Bristol,  Alexander,  North  Buxton,  Orono,  Dedham,  Garland,  Liming- 
ton  and  Winslow.  The  amount  contributed  to  the  Maine  Missionary 
Society  by  the  churches  receiving  its  aid,  has  been  $1508.24  ;  to  other 
objects  of  benevolence,  $878.61  ;  making  in  all  $2386.85 — more  than 
20  per  cent,  upon  the  amount  which  they  have  received. 

In  most  of  the  reports  received  from  our  missionaries,  sabbath 
schools  are  represented  as  flourishing,  and  the  cause  of  temperance  as 
in  a  prosperous  condition.  Several  of  them  bear  testimony  to  the 
faithful  execution  of  the  Maine  Law,  and  the  good  effects  resulting 
from  it. 

Some  facts  will  now  be  given,  as  specimens  of  what  it  pleases  God 
to  accomplish  for  the  spiritual  interests  of  a  people  by  means  of  home 
missionary  labor. 

An  Old  Waste   Built  Up. 

The  following  account  has  been  given  of  the  Church  in  Kittery  by 
its  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  Albert  W.  Fiske : 

"  In  December,  1819,  the  Maine  Missionary  Society  for  the  first 
time  commenced  operations  in  this  field.  At  that  time  this  Church 
[formed  in  1716]  was  reduced  to  a  single  female  member. 

"  The  Rev.  Stephen  Merrill  was  first  commissioned  to  labor  here  for 
six  weeks.  At  the  expiration  of  this  time  the  people  requested  him 
to  tarry  until  the  •  following  summer.  In  June  he  was  hired  for  six 
months  longer,  during  which  time  the  Lord  blessed  his  labors  to  the 
conversion  of  several  souls.  The  next  year  an  ecclesiastical  council 
was  called  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  a  new  Church,  provided  the 
old  one  was  not  alive.  Finding  only  one  female,  a  regular  member 
and  the  only  one  surviving,  the  council  pronounced  the  church  still 
alive,  and  proceeded  to  the  admission  of  four  candidates,  and  the  ad- 
ministration of  the  Lord's  Supper,  after  the  lapse  of  eleven  years.  En- 
couraged by  the  refreshings  of  the  Divine  Spirit,  and  by  the  Maine 
Missionary  Society,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Merrill  was  ordained  pastor  of  the 
Church,  and  continued  as  such  above  ten  years. 

"  During  this  period  he  established  the  first  sabbath  school  ever 
known  in  the  place,  and  procured  a  good  library.  He  was  also  the 
first  mover  in  the  organization  of  a  temperance  society  in  this  place. 
In  connection  with  his  labors  and  with  a  series  of  meetings  in  1831, 
the  Holy  Spirit  was  poured  out,  and  a  considerable  number,  being 
made  the  hopeful  subjects  of  renewing  grace,  were  added  to  the 
Church.  Subsequent  to  this  the  meeting-house  was  thoroughly  re- 
paired, and  the  ministrations  of  the  Gospel  have  been  nearly  all  the 


42  MAINE   MISSIONARY    SOCIETY. 


time  statedly  enjoyed.  The  parsonage  buildings,  which  had  become 
very  much  dilapidated,  have  also  been  repaired,  at  an  expense  of  sev- 
eral hundred  dollars,  and  the  Church  and  Society  still  live,  though 
feeble,  by  the  kind  Providence  of  God,  and  the  beneficent  aid  of  the 
Maine  Missionary  Society." 

New  Fields  Wateked. 

During  the  year  two  new  Churches  have  been  formed,  and  enlarged ; 
one  at  Bristol  Mills,  to  which  reference  has  already  been  made.  In 
Alexander,  a  small  town  in  the  neighborhood  of  Calais,  containing  in 
1850  a  population  of  544,  the  Missionary  Society  has  aided  for  four 
years  in  sustaining  a  missionary  one-half  the  year,  whose  labors  have 
been  equally  divided  between  that  place  and  the  adjoining  town  of 
Cooper.  About  the  first  of  October  last,  a  series  of  meetings  was 
held  in  Alexander,  in  a  large  central  school-house.  Several  of  the 
neighboring  ministers  assisted  our  missionary,  Mr.  Charles  H.  Emer- 
son, in  conducting  them,  and  the  power  of  the  Lord  Jesus  was  present 
to  heal.  On  the  sixth  of  November,  a  Church  Avas  organized  consist- 
ing of  nine  members — eight  of  them  new  converts,  and  five  of  them 
heads  of  families.  During  the  winter,  in  the  absence  of  a  minister, 
but  with  the  help  of  a  pious  schoolmaster,  social  meetings  were  held 
on  the  Sabbath,  and  three  more  persons  were  added  to  the  Church. 
Another  laborer  commissioned  by  this  Society,  has  recently  entered 
into  that  field,  and  we  are  confidently  hoping  to  hear  during  the  coming 
months,  that  the  good  work  of  the  Lord  is  still  in  progress. 

In  1846  a  new  Church  was  formed  at  North  Belfast,  from  which 
very  cheering  intelligence  has  been  received  in  a  communication  from 
its  pastor.  Rev.  J.  R.  Munsell,  under  date  of  the  7th  inst.  "  The  first 
indications,"  writes  Mr.  M.,  "  of  the  special  presence  of  the  Divine 
Spirit  were  in  January  last.  A  young  man  who  is  deaf  and  dumb, 
and  had  been  well  educated  at  the  Hartford  Asylum,  had  by  a  spinal 
affection  lost  the  use  of  his  lower  limbs.  He  was  very  angry  at  this 
Providence,  and  desired  to  die.  I  urged  upon  him  submission  to  the 
Divine  will.  God  has  a  right  to  do  his  own  pleasure,  however  afflict- 
ive it  may  be  to  us.  Have  faith  in  him,  and  everything  will  eventuate 
in  your  good.  After  a  few  weeks  of  deep  conviction  he  found  peace 
in  the  Savior.  He  has  been  examined  for  admission  to  the  Church. 
About  the  time  he  indulged  hope,  a  little  child  died  suddenly  in 
another  tenement  of  the  same  house.  The  young  mother  was  nearly 
distracted,  but  very  wisely  sought,  and  soon  found,  refuge  in  the 
Savior.  The  father,  though  a  sceptic  and  exceedingly  profane,  soon, 
followed  her  in  his  cordial  reception  of  Christ.  From  this  time  the 
good  work  spread  rapidly,  and  some  were  found  in  almost  every  neigh- 
borhood in  the  parish,  inquiring  what  they  should  do  to  be  saved ; 
some  forty  or  fifty  persons  have  expressed  some  hope,  the  most  of 
whom  we  think  are  bom  of  the  Spirit.     Family  worship  is  now  es- 


SUMMARY.  43 


tablished  in  some  twelve  or  fourteen  families,  where  the  voice  of  prayer 
was  not  before  heard.  Twenty-three  have  been  examined  and  ap- 
proved by  a  committee  of  the  Church,  and  we  are  expecting  that  others 
will  profess  Christ.  The  work  has  been  somewhat  limited  to  heads  of 
families  ;  but  few  comparatively  of  the  youth  have  been  brought  in. 
Some  who  were  very  profane,  and  regardless  of  the  Sabbath  and  the 
Word  of  God,  are  now  finding  their  happiness  in  obeying  the  will  of 
their  Heavenly  Father.  One  man,  a  little  past  the  meridian  of  life, 
who  for  thirty  years  had  been  holding  on  to  Universalism,  has  come 
to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth,  as  it  is  in  Christ.  This  work  has  had 
but  little  connection  apparently  with  human  instrumentalities.  It  was 
not  a  feeling  '  got  up '  by  any  extra  appliances.  The  Lord  met  us 
with  His  blessing,  while  in  the  discharge  of  our  ordinary  religious 
duties.  He  began  the  work  first  by  making  the  dumb  to  speak  and 
the  deaf  to  hear,  and  to  His  name  be  all  the  glory." 

At  Wilton,  most  of  those  who  have  become  interested  during  a 
recent  season  of  revival  are  young  persons.  "  A  few,"  writes  the 
acting  pastor  of  the  Church,  "  are  heads  of  families.  Some  family 
altars  have  been  erected,  and  others  that  had  fallen  down  have  been 
reared  again.  Said  one  man  of  forty-five  or  fifty,  at  one  of  our  re- 
ligious meetings,  '  You  may  think,  my  friends,  that  this  is  all  excite- 
ment ;  but  I  tell  you  it  is  not  so.  Fifteen  years  ago  I  came  just  near 
enough  to  the  kingdom  to  make  me  miserable,  and  till  now  I  have  not 
been  happy  since.  I  counted  well  the  cost,  before  I  decided  to  be  for 
God,  and  oh  what  happiness  have  I  enjoyed.'  Said  another,  a  young 
man :  '  I  made  up  my  mind  to  live  for  God,  while  at  work  on  the 
anvil  with  my  hammer.  And  when  I  laid  my  hammer  down,  left  my 
work,  and  went  directly  to  the  house  of  God  to  seek  Him,  where  His 
people  were  engaged  in  worship.'  At  the  lower  village,  and  in  the 
extreme  east  of  the  town,  ^\'here  some  sixty  instances  of  hopeful  con- 
version have  been  reported,  more  extra  means  were  used  than  your 
missionary  thought  it  best  to  employ.  Hence  here  the  work  has  been 
more  silent  and  gradual.  In  connection  with  my  labors  in  this  part  of 
the  town,  eighteen  or  twenty  are  indulging  a  hope  in  the  pardoning 
mercy  of  God,  and  others  are  specially  interested  about  their  personal 
salvation.  Yesterday  (June  10th)  eleven  were  added  to  the  Church 
by  profession,  increasing  the  number  of  its  resident  members  by  one- 
third.  Four  of  these  were  from  one  family — the  mother,  and  her 
three  eldest  daughters.  And  how  aff"ecting  and  joyful  the  sight  to  see 
that  mother  leading  those  children  to  the  altar  of  God  and  the  bap- 
tismal laver,  where  they  all  entered  into  covenant  with  Him  and  his 
people.  Others  are  expected  to  make  public  profession  of  their  faith 
during  the  summer.  The  Bible  class  of  young  ladies,  numbering 
twelve  or  fourteen,  which  I  taught  the  last  summer,  are  now  all  hope- 
fully pious."     Other  indications  of 


44  MAINE   MISSIONARY   SOCIETY. 


Pjrogress 
miglit  be  noticed  in  the  formation  of  a  new  society  with  fair  prospects 
of  stability  and  growth  at  East  Searsport,  in  houses  of  worship  com- 
pleted at  Blanchard  and  Rockport,  and  in  the  process  of  building  at 
Turner,  in  a  very  commodious  parsonage  built  and  mostly  paid  for  at 
Garland,  and  in  one  commenced  and  partly  finished  at  Brownville. 
The  Church  at  Westbrook,  first  parish,  which  received,  the  first  four 
months  of  the  year,  missionary  aid,  has  made  arrangements  to  support 
the  minister  now  laboring  with  them  without  assistance.  The  Church 
at  Durham,  after  being  for  some  time  without  the  ministrations  of  the 
Gospel,  have  removed  and  refitted  their  house  of  worship  ;  and  are 
now  earnestly  endeavoring,  with  the  help  of  this  Society,  to  maintain 
the  constant  preaching  of  the  Word. 

Were  we  to  spread  before  the  community  all   the   details  reported 
from  our  missionary  churches,  there  would  be  many 

Dark  Shades 
in  the  picture.  We  might  speak  of  standard-bearers  fallen,  and  none 
arising  to  occupy  their  places  ;  of  families  and  churches  weakened  by 
the  removal  of  some  of  their  best  members,  and  of  whole  families,  to 
other  parts  of  the  country  ;  of  beloved  ministers,  leaving  fields  in 
which  they  have  labored  with  but  little  hope  of  a  new  supply ;  of  the 
Gospel  preached  from  the  beginning  to  the  end  of  the  year,  and  no 
evidence  aff'orded  that  one  soul  has  been  converted  to  God  ;  of  prayer- 
meetings  neglected,  and  persons  pledged  by  solemn  covenant  to  seek 
first  the  Kingdom  of  God,  supremely  devoted  (if  the  tree  can  be 
known  by  its  fruit)  to  selfish  and  worldly  interests.  In  looking  over 
the  reports  of  faithful  pastors,  it  is  deeply  affecting  to  observe  in  sev- 
eral instances,  how  their  hopes  have  been  disappointed,  and  their  best 
endeavors  rendered  unavailing,  by  the  backwardness  to  prayer  and 
eff'ort  of  professing  Christians.  Even  where  a  cloud  of  mercy  seemed 
gathering  and  there  was  a  sound  of  an  abundance  of  rain,  the  Church 
was  too  often  but  partially  awakened  ;  and  while  a  few  were  ready  to 
say,  surely  God  is  in  this  place,  others,  and  these  the  greater  number, 
knew  it  not.  They  were  minding  their  own  things,  and  not  ready  to 
come  up  to  the  help  of  the  Lord ;  and  the  Spirit  was  grieved,  and  the  Sa- 
vior left  those  whose  prayer  was  that  He  would,  just  at  that  time,  depart 
out  of  their  coasts,  and  went  to  that  place,  if  He  could  find  it,  where 
the  people  would  gladly  receive  Him,  because  they  had  all  been  waiting 
for  Him.  When  a  people  are  very  easily  discouraged,  when  they  are  sore 
afraid  of  a  little  extra  expense,  when  they  are  so  much  engrossed  with 
secular  cares  and  occupations,  that  to  every  call  of  their  Divine  Master 
to  go  work  in  His  vineyard  the  reply  is,  I  cannot  come,  I  pray  thee 
have  me  excused ;  in  such  hands,  even  when  outward  circumstances 
are  prosperous,  the  spiritual  interests  of  individuals,  of  the  Church, 
the  religious   society,  the   sabbath  school,  collectively,  will  languish,. 


SUMMARY,  .  45 


and  what  was  an  Eden  will  become  a  barren  wilderness.  But  let  there 
be  a  few  resolute  trustful  spirits  like  Nehemiah,  a  little  flock  of  de- 
voted faithful  believers,  they  may  stand  amidst  the  ashes  of  the  holy 
city,  and  say  one  to  another,  the  God  of  heaven  He  will  prosper  us, 
therefore  let  us  His  servants  arise  and  build,  and  something  will  be 
done. 

And  yet  for  a  season,  there  may  be  many  difficulties  to  be  encoun- 
tered, many  obstacles  to  be  overcome.  Faith  and  patience  may  be 
severely  tried  ;  and  the  noble  few,  who  are  laboring  in  their  weakness 
to  build  the  old  waste,  or  to  raise  from  its  first  foundation  the  spiritual 
temple,  are  entitled  to  the  tenderest  sympathies,  the  fervent  prayers, 
the  ready  aid  of  their  more  highly  favored  brethren. 

State  of  the  Tkeasuky. 

At  the  last  annual  meeting  there  was  a  balance  in  the  treasury  of 
$1,589.21.  The  receipts  of  the  year  have  been  f  15,818.09,  (last  year 
$13,391.49.)  Of  the  amount,  $3,783,  received  in  legacies,  §2,663  do 
not  yield  an  income  available  at  present  to  the  benefit  of  this  Society. 
The  income  from  notes  and  permanent  funds  has  been  $558.42.  The 
amount  of  donations  from  various  sources  has  been  $11,426.6  7 — 
exceeding  by  $684.43  that  of  the  preceding  year. 

The  amount,  this  day  due  from  the  Society  for  labor  already  per- 
formed, is  about  $4,900.  Its  liabilities  for  commissions  already  vir- 
tually granted,  but  not  yet  fulfilled  amount  to  §600 — in  all  $5,500. 
Towards  canceling  these  claims,  there  is  now  in  the  treasury  a  balance 
of  $2,420.83. 

The  American  Home  Missioxaky  Society. 
This  Society  has  had  in  commission  during  the  last  year  1,032  mis- 
sionaries, distributed  in  27  different  States  and  Territories,  supplying 
constantly  or  at  stated  intervals  2,124  stations.  10  missionaries  have 
been  employed  as  pastors,  or  stated  supplies  of  churches  of  colored 
people,  and  60  have  preached  in  foreign  languages  to  congregations  of 
Germans,  Welsh,  Norwegians,  Swedes,  Frenchmen,  Swiss  and  Hol- 
landers. The  hopeful  conversions  reported  were  2,434 — 66  new 
Churches,  and  40  became  self-sustaining.  The  receipts  of  the  year 
were  8180,136.69,  less  than  the  year  preceding  by  $11,072.38,  the 
greater  part  of  which  deficiency  is  in  the  amount  received  from  lega- 
cies. Considering  the  embarrassments  and  losses  of  the  year,  very 
seriously  aff'ecting  both  the  agricultural  and  commercial  interests  of 
the  country,  there  is  abundant  reason  for  congratulation  and  thanks- 
giving, that  such  an  amount  of  treasure  has  been  expended,  and  of 
good  accomplished  for  an  object,  second  in  importance  to  scarcely  any 
other — the  great  Home  Missionary  enterprise,  the  giving  of  the 
preached  Gospel,  with  all  its  blessed  influences,  to  every  part  of  our 
beloved  country.- 


46       0  MAINE   MISSIONARY    SOCIETY. 


We  are  not  sorry  to  learn,  that  some  $350  of  the  receipts  of  the 
National  Society,  during  the  year  ending  with  the  first  of  April,  came 
from  Maine.  Our  Home  Missionary  cause  may  well  be  regarded  as 
embracing  the  whole  land.  In  what  part  of  it  are  not  the  sons  and 
daughters  of  Maine  to  be  found  ?  Were  this  Society  to  deposit  a 
portion  of  its  annual  receipts  in  the  treasury  in  New  York,  for  the 
benefit  of  the  mighty  West,  it  would  go  to  the  support  of  Missionaries 
from  Maine,  in  preaching  the  Gospel  to  hearers  from  Maine.  In  the 
Territory  of  Kansas,  there  are  emigrants  from  Maine,  of  sturdy  frames, 
and  bold  hearts,  ready  to  do  their  part,  at  the  ballot-box  and  else- 
where, whatever  dangers  may  threaten,  or  enemies  assail,  on  the  side 
of  order,  law,  liberty  ;  and  we  would  esteem  it  a  privilege,  there  to 
aid  the  three  good  missionaries  already  sent,  and  others  who  are  yet 
to  be  commissioned,  in  proclaiming  "  amidst  the  din  of  political  and 
national  excitement"  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ. 

But  the  chief,  if  not  the  only  field  for  this  Society  to  cultivate,  is 
the  State  in  which  we  live  ;  and  it  may  serve  to  enhance  our  convic- 
tions of  the  magnitude  of  the  work  here  given  us  to  do,  to  know  in 
what  estimation  we  are  held  in  other  parts  of  the  Union. 

"  The  State  of  Maine,"  says  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  A.  H. 
M.  S.,  in  their  last  annual  report,  "occupies  a  peculiar  position  among 
her  sisters  of  New  England.  The  youngest,  and  at  the  same  time  the 
largest,  with  a  most  extensive  sea  coast  lined  with  harbors,  and  yet 
but  a  sparsely  settled  back  country — with  a  rich  soil,  but  a  cold  cli- 
mate, she  is  blessed  with  that  happy  combination  of  advantages  and 
disadvantages,  best  calculated  to  secure  at  last,  a  population  numerous, 
industrious,  frugal,  enterprising,  wealthy,  and  intelligent.  It  is  by  no 
means  impossible,  that  the  very  flower  of  New  England's  hope  will 
unfold  far  away  beneath  the  northern  star,  and  that  this  State,  whose 
youth  prolongs  itself  in  so  slow  a  ripening,  will,  when  she  reaches  her 
meridian,  be  the  greatest  and  noblest  of  the  six.  Maine  has  already 
taken  the  lead  in  moral  legislation.  She  was  the  foremost  to  storm 
the  citadel  of  social  iniquity  ;  and  it  is  not  impossible  that  we  may  find 
her  star  shining  before  us  on  other  parts  of  progress.  She  has  been 
the  first  to  present  to  the  public  a  truly  valuable  report  upon  the  sub- 
ject of  Home  Evangelization.  We  look  upon  the  fact,  that  the 
Missionary  spirit  has  induced  her  ministers  to  enter  upon  the  systematic 
examination  of  that  great  subject,  as  the  most  encouraging  incident 
of  the  past  year.  It  shows  that  in  their  Missionary  operations  they 
have  an  eye,  not  only  for  the  inhabitants  of  poor,  destitute  regions, 
but  for  those  also  who  are  destitute,  only  because  they  choose  to  be. 
We  trust  that  the  investigation  which  has  been  commenced,  will  ripen 
into  action ;  and  that  the  ministers  of  Maine  will  find  their  way  to 
all  desolate  hearts,  as  well  as  to  all  desolate  parishes." 

The  good  Lord  hasten  the  day,  when  this  two-fold  object  of  patriotic 
and  Christian   desire  will  be  fully  attained,  when  every  parish,  now 


ANNUAL   MEETING.  -  47 


desolate  as  the  barren  heath  and  the  parched  desert,  shall  resemble  a 
well  cultivated  fruitful  garden  ;  and  every  desolate  heart,  desolate 
whether  from  choice  or  necessity,  shall  be  reached  and  refreshed  by 
the  glorious   Gospel.     Blessed   is   the   People  that  know  the 

JOYFUL  SOUND  ;  THEY  SHALL  WALK,  O  LoRD,  IN  THE  LIGHT  OF 
THY  COUNTENANCE.  FoR  THOU  ART  THE  GLORY  OF  THEIR 
STRENGTH,    AND    IN    THY    FAVOR    SHALL    OUR    HORN    BE    EXALTED. 


ANNUAL    MEETING. 


The  forty-eighth  annual  meeting  of  the  Maine  Missionary  Society 
Was  held  with  the  Third  Church,  in  Portland,  June  27,  1855.  The 
President  of  the  Society  opened  the  meeting  with  reading  the  Scrip- 
tures and  prayer.  After  the  sermon  by  Rev.  S.  C.  Fessenden,  of 
Rockland,  the  Report  of  the  Treasurer  was  read  and  accepted  ;  also 
the  Report  of  the  Trustees  by  the  Secretary.  Short  addresses  were 
made  by  the  Rev.  E.  B.  Webb,  S.  H.  Merrill,  D.  Cushman,  Dr.  Pom- 
roy,  E.  G.  Carpenter,  J.  O.  Fiske,  H.  W.  Cobb,  from  loAva,  and  Dr. 
G.  E.  Adams.  A  motion  to  instruct  the  Trustees  to  transmit  to  the 
Treasurer  of  the  American  Home  Missionary  Society,  at  the  close  of 
the  next  month,  one-half  of  any  surplus  funds  then  in  their  hands, 
not  exceeding  81000,  was  offered  with  brief  remarks  in  support  of  it 
by  Rev.  E.  F.  Cutter  ;  and  after  some  discussion,  in  which  several 
gentlemen  took  part,  was  withdrawn—it  being  understood  that  the 
Trustees  would  have  power  to  act  in  the  premises,  according  to  their 
discretion,  without  particular  instructions.  After  the  taking  up  of  a 
collection  in  aid  of  the  Society,  the  public  exercises  of  the  occasion 
were  closed  with  prayer  and  benediction  by  Rev.  Dr.  Chickering 
of  Portland. 

At  the  meeting  for  business,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Balkam  was  appointed 
to  express  the  thanks  of  the  Society  to  Rev.  Mr.  Fessenden  for  his 
sermon,  and  to  request  a  copy  for  the  press.  _  » 

The  persons  following  were  chosen  officers  of  the  Society  for  the 
year  ensuing  : 


48 


MAINE   MISSIONARY   SOCIETY. 


PRESIDENT  : 

Rev.  WILLIAM    T.    DWIGHT,    D, 


VICE   PRESIDENT  : 

Rev.    JOHN    W.    ELLINGWOOD,    D.    D. 


cor.  and  rec.  secretary  : 
Rev.    benjamin   TAPPAN,   D.    D. 


TREASURER : 

JOHN   HOW,    Esq. 


TRUSTEES  : 

Rev.  WILLIAM  T.  I>WIGRT,  ex  oMcio.i  Rev.  EDWARD  F.  CUtTER. 

Rev.  DAVID  THURSTON.  Rev.  DAVID  SHEPLEY. 

Rev.  JOHN  W.  ELLINGWOOD.  Rev.  STEPHEN  THURSTON. 

Rev.  ENOCH  POND.  D.  D.  Rev.  ISAAC  ROGERS. 
Rev.  JOHN  W.  CHICKERING,  D.  D.  1  JOHN  HOW,  Esa. 


AUDITORS  : 

WOODBURY  STORER,  Esq.  |  WILLIAM  D.  LITTLE,  Esa. 

Calais  was  appointed  as  the  place  for  the  next  annual  meeting — on 
the  4th  Wednesday  of  June,  1856. 

PREACHERS : 

Rev.  D.  TALCOTT  SMITH,  First,         |  Rev.  GEO.  B.  LITTLE,  Second 


TREASURER'S    REPORT. 


Receipts  and  Disbursements  hy  John  How,  Treasuri^r  of  Maine  Missionary  Society^ 


BECEIPTS. 
Balance  in  the  Treasury  on  settlement,  June  24,  1854,  .  . 

Income  from  the  Permanent  Fund  : — 

Dividends  on  Bank  Stoclt ,  .  .  i  .  i  . 

"  5  shares  Lewiston  Falls  Manufacturing  Company, 

"  1  share  Atlantic  &  St.  Lawrence  Railroad  Co., . 

"  3  shares  Portland,  Saco  &,  Portsmouth  Railroad  Co.. 

Interest  on  notes  receivable, 

"  City  of  Portland  bond. 

Interest  on  money  loaned,  .... 

Of  Dr.  Tappan  for  supplying  the  pulpit  in  sundry  places. 
Legacies. — Of  Miss  Lucy  Dinsmore,  late  of  Norridgevvock, 

Seth  Morse,  late  of  South  Paris,  (in  part) 

Mrs.  Lois  Silsby,  late  of  Amherst, 
^  Hon.  Wm.  Riciiardson,  late  of  Bath,  (8th  installment) 

Miss  Eveline  Sewall,  late  of  Kennebunk, 

Annuities,  contributions,  life  memberships,  &c.,  .  .  . 


$1,589  21 


$343  50 

20  00 

C  00 

9  00 

82  50 

30  00 

491  00 
C7  42 

_ 

_ 

80  00 

10  00 

100  00 

10  00 

1,000  00 

2,6G3  00 

3,783  00 
11,426  G7 

. 

$17,437  30 

DONATIONS. 


49 


DISBUBSEMENTS. 

Paid  W.  T.  Johnson  for  printing  Annual  Report,           .....  $140  00 

Paid  Dr.  Tappan  for  distributing  the  same,         ......  3  50 

Paid  for  300  blank  certifjcates  of  Life  Memberships,    .....  7  75 

Amount  of  legacy  of  Miss  Eveline  Sewall,  transferred  to  Permanent  Fund,  agreeably 

to  the  provisions  of  the  will,      ........  2,06300 

Paid  Trustees'  orders,        .........  Il,a70  76 

Paid  postage  and  incidental  expenses,     .......  14  50 

Commissions  on  receipts,   .            .           .            .           .           .           .            .            .  316  96 

Balance  in  the  Treasury,   .........  2,420  83 

$17,437  30 


The  PERMAE"ENT  FUND  of  the  Society  consists  of 
Land  in  the  county  of  Aroostook,  valued  at 
Land  in  Bangor,  valued  at  .  .  . 

5  shares  in  Levviston  Falls  Manufacturing  Company. 
24  shares  in  Canal  Bank,   .... 
20  shares  in  Casco  Bank,   .... 
14  shares  in  Manufacturers'  and  Traders'  Bank, 

9  shares  in  State  Bank,  Boston, 

3  shares  in  Portland,  Saco  &  Portsmouth  Railroad, 

1  share  in  Atlantic  &  St.  Lawrence  Railroad, 
Scrip  of  the  City  of  Portland, 
Notes  receivable,  secured  by  endorsement  and  mortgage. 


$300  00 

300  00 

500  00 

2,400  00 

2,000  00 

700  00 

540  00 

300  00 

100  00 

1,000  00 

1,100  00 


Errors  excepted. 


$9,240  00 


Portland,  June  25, 1855. 


JOHN  HOW,   Treasurer. 


Portland,  June  25,  1855. 


The  undersigned,  Auditors,  chosen  by  the  Society,  have  examined  the  accounts  of  John  How, 
Esq.,  Treasurer,  (of  which  the  foregoing  is  an  abstract)  and  find  the  same  properly  vouched  and 
correctly  cast,  with  a  balance  in  the  Treasu/y  of  twenty-four  hundred  and  twenty  83-100  dollars. 

W.  D.  LITTLE,  )   .    ,., 

WM.  C.  MITCHELL,  j  •^v.Mors. 


DONATIONS 


FROM  JUNE  24,  1854,  TO  JUNE  25,  1855. 


Aroostook  Conference. 
Burlington — Con.  and  don., 
Houlton — 1  L.  M.  by  a  coll.. 
Letter  D — From  several  individs., 
Lincoln — 1  L.  M.  by  a  coll., 
Monticello — Don., 
JViimber  11 — 1  L.  M.  by  a  coll., 
Passadumkeag — Coll., 
Patten — For  a  L.  M.  in  part, 
Salmon  Brook — From  several  individs., 
Springfield — Coll., 
Aroostook  Conference,  17.82,  7, 


Cumberland. 
Auburn — 4  L.  M.  by  coll., 
Baldwin— CoU.  4.70,  don.  3, 


$8  00 

20  87 

14  00 

23  75 

37 

20  25 

15  00 

5  00 

6  00 

2  50 

24  82 

$140  57 

80  00 

7  70 

Brunswick — Ann.  26,  con.  and  don.  C6, 
Cumberland— CoU.  47.50,  Sab.  Sch.  4.57, 
Durham— lu.  M.  20,  don,  22, 
Falmouth,  ^d  parish— h.  M.  by  F.  M.  S., 
Oorham — Ladies'  Mis.  Soc.  70.59,  coll. 

35.G0,  doii.  4,  1  L.  M.  20, 
Gray — Cong.  Soc.  to  complete  L.  M., 
Lewiston  Palls — Mon.  con.  23.50,  Ladies' 

Cir.  10,  S.  S.  Cent  Soc.  43.43,  4  L.  M. 

80,  other  individs.  90,50, 
Mechanic  Falls— Don.  3,  L.  M.  by  S.  S. 

2],  by  Ch.  and  Soc.  37, 
Minot—h.  M.  26,  ann.  16,  don.  10.20, 
jVapte— Don.  10,  1, 
JVcw  Gloucester— Im  M.  by  F.  M.  S.  50.72, 

coll.  42.97,. 
JVortA  Yarmouth— QoW., 


92  00 
52  07 
42  00 
15  67 

130  19 
5  09 


247  43 

61  00 
52  20 
II  00 

93  69 

23  oa 


50 


MAINE   MISSIONARY   SOCIETY. 


Poland — Coll., 

Portland, 2d  Ch.—L,.  M.  20,  F.  M. 

S.  225,  coll.  175,  420  GO 

"       3d  Ch.—U  M.  110,  F.  M. 

S.   109,    coll.   and    don., 

129.12,  348  12 

"       msrh  St.—L..  M,  40,  don. 

5,  coll.  493,  538  00 

"        State  St.—L.  M.  20,  coll. 

90,  126  46,  236  46 

"       Mis.  Sew.  Cir.  64.55,  48,    119  55 
"       Abyssinian  Ch. — Men.  con.    2  00 


LitckfieJd—Coll.  5, 6.55,  ann.  2, 

Monmouth— h.  M.  bv  coll., 

Richmond— h.  M.  20',  don.  6, 

Sidney — Don., 

yassalborough—CoW.  8.06,  3.85,  don.  7, 

mnslvw—C'oU.  7.14,  ann.  2, 

JVinthrop— Coll.  16.87,  L.  M.  by  F.  M.  S. 

20,  don.  50, 
Kennebec  Conference,  10.59.  16.79, 


Scarborough — 1  L.  M., 

Standish—h.  M.  by  coll., 

Westbrook,  1st  pariah— Coll.,  10  62 

"         (Saccornppa)  Ch.  and  Soc.  18  60 

Windham — L.  M.  by  coll., 
YarmoutJi — 1st  cent.  L.  M.  115,  Fem 
Cent.  Soc.  43.96,  New- 
ell Soc.  40,  coll.  7C.25,  275  21 
2d.  cent.  L.  M.  95,  Fein. 
Cent.  Soc.  45.63,  coll. 
117.37,  258  00 


1657  13 
20  GO 
26  62 


29  22 
20  00 


Cumberland  Covference,  18.75,  55,  28,  30, 
31, 


533  21 
104  34 


$3318  9 
Franklin. 
Q'usterville — L.  M.  m  part  by  Ch.  and 

Soc.  11,  don.  5, 
Farmington — L.  Al.  25,  coll.  21.02  mon. 
con.  10.25,  F.  M.  S.  14.50,  don.  2, 
«'         Falls— L,.  M.  in  part  by  Ch. 
and  Soc, 
JVew  Portland— I  L.  M., 
JVew  Vineyard — Don., 
Phillips— Coll., 
Strong— Coll.  13.50,  5, 
Temple— Coll.  3.20,  5.33,  F.  M,  S.  2.62, 
Weld — Con.  14,  inon.  con.  2,  L.   M.  in 

part  by  F.  M.  S.  5, 
Farmington  Conference, 


15  GO 

73  77 

9  00 
20  00 
1  00 
4  25 
18  50 
11  15 


13  .55 

20  GO' 

26  00 

3  00 

18  91 

9  14 

86  87 

27  38 

Lincoln. 
Mlna— Coll.  15.50,  ann.  4, 
Bath,  Winter  St.— Legacy  100,  Cent 
Soc.  31,  F.  M.  S.  150,  L.  M. 
85,  ann.  IG,  con.  96  84,  don. 
286,  758  84 

Central  Ch.—L.  M.  160,  F.  M. 
S.  16,  don.  224,  coll.  42.25, 
ann.  11,  453  25 

Boothbay,  2rf  Ch.— Con.  11.48,  don.  7, 
Bristol,  1st  Ch.— Coll.,  7  00 

"      2d  Ch.— Coll.  24,  don.  3,         27  GO 

Lhibon — 1  L.  M.  in  part, 

JVewca^tlc,  {Shecpscvt)— Coll.,  10  41 

"  {Diimariscotta) — L.  M.  by 

coll.  and  individ.,  180, 
ann.  6,  coll.  and  don.  14,  200  GO 


$1012  06 


19  50 


1212  09 

18  48 


34  00 
15  00 


Phipsburg — L.  M.   by  coll.  and   ladies' 

subscription, 
Rockland— Coll.  33,  Sew.  Cir.  5, 
Thomaston—L.  M.  20,  ann.  2,  F.  M.  S. 

22,  gent.  39^75, 
Union — Coll., 
Waldoborougli^L.  M.  6G,  ann.  28,  F.  M. 

S.  13.10,  coll.  and  don.  20.60, 
Warren — Coll.  15,  Ben.  Soc.  35,  ann,  10, 

L.  M.  5, 
Wiscasset — L.  M.  in  part  10,  coll.   and 

don.  43, 
iLincoln  Conference, 


30  GO 
38  GO 


83  75 
17  20 


53  GO 
14  GO 


Hancock. 
Amherst  and  Aurora — To  complete  L.  M. 

3,  13  from  Rev.  11.  S.  L., 
BluehUl—l  L.  M.  by  coll.  20,  bal.  6.50, 
Bucksport^h.  M.  20,  ann.  2,  coll.  57.50, 

mon.  con.  40.50, 
Castine — L.  M.  50,  gent,  assoc.  46,  mon. 

con.  14.74,  don.  13, 
Deer  Isle—h.  M.  by  Fem.  Cent  Soc.  20, 

coll.  12.82, 
Eastbrook — Don., 
EUsworth—L.  M.  60,   by   F.   M.  S.  20, 

coll.  75, 
Isle  de  Haiit— Con.  1.16,  don.  2, 
Mount  Desert  and  Tremont — 2  L.  M.  by 

coll., 
OHand— Coll.  25,  25, 
Trenton — Don., 


$181  67 


21  00! 

7  go! 

1  $1932  13 

Oxford. 
Bethel,  1st  Ch.— Fem.  Cent  Soc.  8,  ann. 

2,  don.  1, 
Gilead — Coll.  to  complete  a  L.  M., 
Oifordr-Coll., 
Paris,    Soutk—L.    M.    20,   by   Ch.    and 

Soc.  24.18, 
Rumford — Don., 
123  74  Sinn HCr  and  Hartford— Coll.  13,  8, 

\Turner—Ch.  and  Soc.  10, F.  M.  S.  12,  3.5 
32  82  Oxford  Confermce, 
3  GO 


16  00 
26  50 


128  00 


11  GO 

9  GO 

5  GO 

44  18 

2  GO 

21  GO 

56,  25  56 

9  GO 

1,55  GOl  Penobscot. 

3  ie\Bangor,  1st  par.—h.  M.  94.50,  by  S. 

I  S.  6G,  coll.  and  don.  286,     440  50 

47  GO         "      Ham.    St.—h.    M.    147.44, 
50  GO  coll.  147.75,  33.79,  328  98 

1  OO!         "      Central  Ch.—L.  JVI.  40,  by 

S.  S.50,  coll.  and  don.  192, 282  GO 


$126  74 


$578  22 


Kennebec. 
jJtto-jtsta,  S.— Mon. con.  79.41,  coll.  240.80, 

L.  M.  60,  don.  56,  436  21 

B(.,i(o«— Female  Sewing  Circle,  10  GO 

Qardinor-L.  M.  25,  coll.  and  con.  34,  59  GO 

HaUowell—L.  M.  150,  ann.  2,  F,  M.  S.  40, 

con.  43.60,  mon.  con .  66.40,  302  00 


Brewer,  Wcst—L.  M.  by  "a  friend 

to  the  cause  of  Christ,"        20  00 
"      villaa-c—L.  M.  by  coll.  20, 

don.  5,  25  00 


Dedham — Coll.  for  L.  M.  in  part, 
Dizmont — Ann.  2,  don.  3,  coll.  5.55, 


45  00 
14  00 
10  55 


DONATIONS. 


51 


ffampdfn—lj.  M.95,  Fem.Cent  Soc.  10.95 

coll.  38.05, 
Hnlilni—Co\]., 
OI(ltuirii~Co\]., 
Oroiw—Bab.  Sell.  7.50,  coll.  11.98,  from 

a  child,  52, 
Orrin^tjin—h.   M.  25,   Sab.   Sch.    1.74, 

coll.  and  don.  2.55, 


PiSCATAllUIS. 

-.itkinson — Con., 
Blanchard — L.  M.  by  coll., 
Bradford — L.  M.  complete  bv  coll., 
Sroumvillc—Con.  15,  F.  M.  S.  7.76, 
Dtitcr — Cong.  Soc, 
Dorcr  and  Fuzcntft—CoW.  40,  30, 
Lrc — Don.  of  two  persons, 
.Moiisoii—li.  U.  by  coll.  20,  F.  M. 

coll.  6.*},  7.50, 
SanrrerviUe — Coll. 


I  Washington. 

144  OO'.^/fra/K/cr— Don.,  3  00 
7  01  |Ca/fl(>— Three  L.  M.  by  F.  M.  S.,  60, 2 by 

10  00|     Cn.  and  Soc,  50,  don.  15,  con.  27,  152  00 

IC/ierrii/itld—Mvidy,  153 

20  OOJCoy/jp/-— Coll.,  1  00 

\DeiiiiiixriUe—h.  M.  20,  raon.  con.  55,  75  00 
29.29  Ea^^itport— Two  h.  U.  by  coll.  40,  nion. 

con.  10,  50  00 

Mechm.^—h.  M.  by  F.  M.  S.  34.88,  coll. 

21.8(1,  56  74 

Mackio.^,  East—CoU.  30,  don.  4,  34  00 

J^ortlificld—CoW.,  8  50 

Pembroke— CoW.  12,  from  two  indiv.  10,  22  00 

H-hltlinr—CoU.,  5  00 

miitiiiiirtlle—X  lady,  1  00 

H'aslun\rtuii  Conference— 6.W,  32.50,  38.51,  77  27 


$1331  93 


11  00 
32  00 

7  00 
92  76 
15  00 
70  00 

3  00 


S.  5, 


Somerset. 
^Inaon,  South — Female  Cent  Soc.  11.  coll. 

4.02,  don.  1, 
Bloomfield — Coll.  7,  don.  5, 


39  34  York. 

6  OOL^cton— Ch.  and  Soc, 

{Alfred—VoW., 

306  lO.Bidtleford,  Eastr-CoU  , 

\Biddeford,  West-One  L.  JI., 


7  78 
20  00 


$487  01 

3  00 
25  19 


16  Q^\Burtnn,  J^Torth-One  L.  M.  by  a  coll.,  20  00 


Fairfield — Four  members  of  Cong.  Church,  12  00 


12  m  Buxton,  Southr— Col]., 


!00 


F/an-  Staff— Bon RtwTi, 

.Vudison—CoU.  9.48,  don.  5, 

.Mercer-Coll, 

.Vorrida-eirock— Coll.  30,  35.27,  one  L.  I\l. 

20,  don.  5, 
Solon,  South— Coll.,  5  00 

Solon  Village — L.  M.  in  part,  5  00 

Sl  Albans— 'L.  M.  20,  con.  3, 
Somerset  Conference — 16.30,  1.15,  14, 


3  OOjSHiot— Con., 
14  AS\Kennebnnk— Con.  50,  53,  don.  10, 

6  50  KenncbunJcport,  Ist  Par.— Coll., 

"  2rf  Par.— L.  M.  SO, 

90  27  33, 


^2  00 
coir. 
56  00 


28  00 

7  00 

113  00 


9  80 


Unio^j. 
.llbany—CoM.  7.80,  don.  2, 
Bridgton— Coll.  14,  L.  M.,  20,  34  00 

Bridgton,  J^ortk— Coll.  14,  L.  M.  in  part 
5,  don.  16,  35 

BrozcnfieU — L.  M.  in  part, 
Fryeburg — L.  M.  70,  don.  5, 
Harrison — Cong.  Soc, 
Lorell^Coll., 

Otisjiel/} — Ladies  Assoc,  8,  don.  4, 
Sweden — Coll., 
.  Watcrford— Coll.  13.40,  L.  M.  20,  don.  17, 


$253  20 
Waldo. 
Belfast — li.  M.  20,  donation  5,  collection 

49.54,  74  51 

Belfast,  J^orth— Coll.  42.49,  donation  3, 
ann.  2,  47  49 

122  03 

Camden — Two  L.  M.  by  Gent,  and  Ladies 

Association,  53  50 

Camden,  Rockport — Don.,  2  00 


78  00 

Lebanon — Bal.  of  coll.  last  year,  1  00 

10  00  Limerick-Bon.  24.33,  coll.  13.70,  38  03 

23  00  LiminiTton—Coll.  12.76,  15.29,  28  05 

31  45  Lyman— One  L.  M.  by  P.   Ben.  Soc.  20, 

tw^o  L.  M.  by  coll.  and  an  indiv.  40,  60  00 

$218  7i:jVe7Bfeld—L.  M.  by  coll..  20  00 

Saco— L.  M.  90,  F.  M.  S.  60,  coll.  39,  189  00 

San/ufv/— Coll.  15.8'J,  1,  16  83 

Slmpleigh— One  L.  M.  from  "  a  friend,"         20  00 
South  Bencick— Coll.  20.26,  17.23,  37  49 

TVells,  1st  Par.— 3  L.  M.  60,  pa«  of  1  L. 

M.  bv  Ch.  and  Soc.  12.62,  72  62 

ff''clls,  '2d  Par.— Coll.  9,  8,  17 


—  69  00 

7  00 

75  00 

18  OC 

6  00 

12  00 

6  OC 

r,    50  40 

Frankfort  Mills— l.a.d\es  Sew.  Cir^ 
Jackson  and  Brooks — Coll.  14,  6.11, 
Prospect — Col  1 . , 
Searsport — Six  L.  M.  by  Ch.  and  Societv, 

121,  don.  10,  131  00 

Searsport,  £a.s£— Coll.  12,  ann.  2,  14  00 

Unity— Coll., 


55  50 
30  00 
20  II 
18  00 


145  00 
6  00 


$396  64 


York,  2d  Par.— Cong.  Soc.  20,  don. 
York  Conference, 


89  62 
22 

26  81 


OTHER    STATES. 
Bridrrewater,  Mass. —  \  friend  of  missions,      2  00 
Charlcstuwn,  j»/tf.«.— VViiithrop  Ch.  and  Soc.  67  22 
Chelsea,   Mass. — Winnisimmet   Ch.  and 

Society, 
Chelsea,  Mass. — Rev.  Xathan  Dole  and 

wife, 
J'i''ctcburiiport,  Mass. — William  Thurston 

and  wife, 
Roibury,  Mass.— Rev.  B.  M.  Mitchell, 
Worcester,  Mass. — Rev.  Dr,  Sweetser, 
Borer,  JV.  H. — Mrs.  Marv  R.  Pray, 
Chicago,  /«.- Abiel  W.  tinkhara, 
Apalachicola,  Fla. — A.  P.  Nourse,  Esq., 


17  00 
20  00 

4  00 

5  00 
15  00 
20  00 
20  00 
20  00 


From  donors  unknown, 
Annual  meeting  at  Bangor, 

Amount  of  donations  as  above, 
Legacies, 


$205  22 
2100 
127  57 


11,368  58 
3,783  00 

$15,151  58 


52 


MAINE   MISSIONARY   SOCIETY. 


RECOGNIZED  SINCE  THE  LAST  ANNUAL  PUBLICATION. 


MAINE. 
Loring,  Henry  Jlelville, 
Cobb,  John  F., 
Mills  Mrs.  Rhoda, 
Bradbury,  James  W.,  Junior, 
Howard,  Miss  Jane, 
Page,  Mrs.  Mary  C, 
Tappan,  Rev.  Benjamin, 
Webb,  Anna  Winthrop,      ) 
Webb,  Elizabeth  Temple,  \ 
Billings,  Mrs.  Elizabeth, 
Butler,  Henry  A., 
Coombs,  Mrs.  Eliza  B., 
Jewett,  Carlaston, 
Jewett,  Mrs.  Carlaston, 
Maltby,  Wm.  Jackson, 
Marsh,  Levi  G., 
Mills,  Miss  Marianne  H., 
Pond,  Jeremiah  Evarts, 
Roberts,  Mrs.  Ruth, 
Sanford,  Miss  Charlotte  W., 
Sargent,  Mrs.  Ann, 
Savary,  Mrs.  Betsey  H., 
Titcomb,  Miss  Emily, 
Veazie,  Mrs.  Maria  B., 
Bovey,  Miss  Ann  K., 
Donnell,  George, 
Druramond,  INliss  Susan  F., 
Gay,  Mrs.  Mehitabel, 
Harward,  I\liss  Lizzie  P., 
Harward,  Thomas  P., 
Lambert,  Miss  Sarah  E., 
Moody,  Miss  Mercy, 
(iuinnam,  Mrs.  Benjamin, 
Riggs,  Mrs.  James, 
Rogers,  Miss  Hannah  C, 
Tolman,  Rev.  S.  H., 
Trufant,  Mr.  William  B., 
Waterman,  Joseph  W., 
Twitchell,  Mrs.  Sarah  J., 
Merrill,  Mrs.  Hannah  P., 
Brastovv,  Mrs.  Priscilla, 
Craig,  Rev.  Henry  K., 
Pond,  Mrs.  Mary  T., 
Adams,  Stephen, 
Brown,  Mrs.  Rachel  C, 
Downes,  Mrs.  Betsey, 
Robbins,  Mrs.  Mary, 
Swan  Mrs.  Hannah, 
Adams,  Mrs.  Adeline, 
Bowers,  Rodolphus, 
Holmes,  Mrs.  Phebe  W., 
Williams,  Miss  Lucia, 
Huston,  Albert  G., 
Huston,  Henrietta  A., 
Lane,  Samuel, 
iPerkins,  Daniel, 


Robinson,  Eben  D., 

Damariscotta. 

Amherst. 

Foster,  Dea.  Benjamin, 

Dennysville. 

Jluburn. 

Foster,  Mrs.  Joanna, 
Stearns,  Mrs.  Eliza  K., 

a 

Augusta. 

Bates,  Dr.  Niran, 

East  Machias. 

" 

Al'len,  Mrs.  Clara, 

Ellsworth. 

" 

Black,  Mrs.  Frances  K., 

" 

" 

Nourse,  Benjamin,  Esq., 

« 

<« 

Knight,  Mrs.  Daraxa, 
Merrill,  Miss  Mary, 

Falmouth. 

^  Bangor. 

Tyler,  Rev.  Amoiy  H., 

" 

" 

Titcomb,  John, 

Farmington. 

" 

Chandler,  Mrs.  Almira, 

Freeport, 

a 

Curtis,  Thomas, 

« 

" 

Lapham,  Mrs.  Mary, 

« 

a 

Staples,  Mrs.  Elizabeth, 

" 

" 

Bradley,  Mrs.  Israel  B., 

Fryeburg. 

" 

Warren,  Mrs.  Ann, 

" 

" 

Johnson,  Henry  E., 

Oardincr. 

<' 

Libbey,  Win.,  Esq., 

" 

" 

Rowe,  Dea.  Ephraira, 

Oilead. 

" 

Green,  Daniel  W., 

Gray. 

" 

Philbrick,  Miss  Nancy  E., 

Hallowell. 

" 

Skeele,  Arthur  F., 

" 

" 

Fifield,  Edward  P., 

Hampden. 

Bath. 

Felch,  Charles  P., 

Houlton. 

" 

Bixby,  Mrs.  Mary  H.  P., 

Kenduskeag. 

a 

Lord,  D.  Walter, 

Kennebunkpori- 

" 

Titcomb,  Mrs.  Eliza  W., 

« 

" 

Chapman,  Elias, 

Lebanon. 

" 

Ballard,  Miss  Hannah, 

Lewiston  Falls. 

" 

Bradford,  Mrs.  A.  C, 

« 

'« 

Pickard,  George, 

" 

" 

Pickard,  John  P., 

" 

" 

Mitchell,  Isaac,  Esq., 

Limington. 

" 

Berry,  Dea.  Edward, 

Lisbon. 

" 

Murphy,  Mrs.  Sarah  C, 

Lyman. 

" 

Roberts,  Dimon, 

" 

{M'orth)  Bclf<i.'<t. 

Roberts,  Mrs.  Martha, 

« 

Bethel. 

Baker,  Miss  Eliza, 

Machias, 

Bluehill. 

Fowler,  Stacy, 

" 

Brewer. 

Longfellow,  Miss  Sarah, 

C( 

Bucks-port. 

Freeman,  Mrs.  Rhoda, 

Minot. 

" 

Hsley,  Rev.  Horatio, 

Monson. 

Buxton. 

Kittredge,  Dea.  Kendall, 

Mt.  Desert. 

" 

Fo^g,  Mrs.  Priscilla, 

JVew  Oloucester. 

Calais. 
(1 

Keith,  Freedom, 
Rowe,  Mrs.  Rhoda  N., 

(( 

" 

Hcald,  Dea.  Ezekiel, 

J^orridgewock. 

Camden. 

Jlobbs,  Mrs.  Jane, 

.N'orway. 

« 

Keep,  Rev.  Marcus  R., 

JVo.  11. 

Castine. 

Balkan),  John  A.  Esq., 

Portland. 

t( 

Barrett,  Mrs.  Elizabeth, 

<( 

Damariscotta. 

Beale,  Mrs.  Cynthia  B., 

(C 

" 

Carpenter,  Rev.  Hugh  S., 

<c 

" 

Carruthers,  Rev.  Dr., 

(( 

" 

Carruthers,  Mrs.  Clarissa, 

i( 

LIFE   MEMBERS. 


53 


Carter,  Ezra,  Jr.,  Esq., 
Crocker,  Miss  Mary  P., 
Dicks,  Mrs.  Nancy, 
Hall,  Mrs.  Paul, 
Hayes,  Mrs.  John  G., 
Huse,  Mrs.  William, 
Libby,  Mias  Harriet  Ann, 
Lord,  Mrs.  William, 
Merrill,  Mrs.  Paul  E., 
Patten,  iMrs.  Stephen, 
Sargent,  Mrs.  Sarah, 
Shirley,  Miss  Helen  A., 
Storer,  Mrs.  Woodbury, 
Thomas,  Elias,  Esq., 
Blanchatd,  Mrs.  Eliza  W., 
Blair,  Miss  Lucy  A.  L., 
Hagar,  Miss  Sarah  Jane, 
Eastma^i,  Mrs.  Philip, 
Goodale,  Miss  Caroline  H., 
Wheeler,  Mrs.  Francis  B.. 
Thornton,  Mrs.  C.  C.  J., 
Colcord,  Mrs.Abijah, 
Lampher,  Mrs.  Sarah, 
Nichols,  .Mrs.  Hannah, 
Lewis,  Miss  Isabella  G.. 
Hardy,  Mrs.  Sarah, 
Palmer,  Rev.  James  R., 
Newman,  Jonathan, 
Talbot,  Mrs.  Lydia, 
Brooks,  Mrs.  Sarah, 
Cole,  Deacon  William, 
Barnard,  Miss  Adeline, 
Newcorab,  Edward  M., 
Starrett,  Elburn  E., 
Vaughan,  Charles  E., 
Vaughan,  Henrv  W., 
Wheeler,  xMrs.  Emily  C, 
Starrett,  Mrs.  Phileiia  W., 


Portland.  Leach,  Rev.  Giles,  fVells. 

"      Leach,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  T.,  " 

"      .\iorton,  Mrs.  Charlotte,  Wilton. 

"      Eveleth,  Deacon  John,  Windham. 

"      Winter,  Miss  Sarah  M.,  " 

"      Packard,  Mrs.  Sophronia  S.,  Winthroj). 

"      Buck,  Mrs.  Charlotte,  Woolwich. 

"      Aiken,  Rev.  Charles  A.,  Yarmouth. 

"      Aiken,  .Mrf.  Sarah  E.,  " 

"      Blanchard,  David  W.,  " 

"     Chandler,  Miss  Jane  O.,  " 

"      Loring,  Capt.  Richmond,  " 

"      Parsons,  Mrs.  Judith,  "' 

"     IShcrman,  .Mrs.  Lucy  G.,  •' 

iJ(c/tmo)irf.iWhitcorab,  Levi,  " 

OTHEE,    STATES. 

Dwight,  Miss  Annie  T.,  Jlmhcrst,  Mas^. 

Cutter,  Mrs.  Deborah  L.,  Chnrlc^town,  Masn. 

Trask,  J.  L.  P.,  Gloucfster,  Mass. 

Scarborough.  Russell,  Miss  Ruth  S.,  Greenfield,  Mass. 

Searsport.  Lincoln,  Miss  Susan.  fjComin.-;tcr,  Mass. 

Kimball   Mrs.  Daniel,  Stockbrida-e,  Mass. 

Pingree,  Mrs.  Mary  S.,  Topsfield,  Mass. 

Shapleiirh.  Harper,  Hon.  Joseph  JI.,  Cimterbury,  JV.  H. 

Strolia-.  Lovejoy,  Mrs.  Mary,  Conway,  JV.  H. 

Topsham.  Wilder,  S.  V.  S.,  .\>w  York,  JV.  Y. 

7V«noHf.  Hon.  W.  Storer,  Cincinnati,  Ohio. 

rurner.  Mack,  Rev.  Wil'iam,  Columbia,  Tenn. 

Waldoboroua-h.  Magoun,  Frederic  H.,  Burlington,  III. 

Tinkham,  Mrs.  Charlotte  S.,  Chicago,  III. 

Warren  Valentine,  Lowell,  Keosauqua,  III. 

Valentino,  Mrs.  Judith  W.,  "            " 

Higgins,  Mrs.  Henrietta,  Kane  Co.,  III. 

Gurley,  John  McD.,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Mayo,  John  PL,  WeymouVi,  JV.  S. 

Mayo,  Mrs.  JIaria  G.,  "           '' 

Bond,  Caroline  S.,  Koknla,  Sand.  Isl. 


.ERRORS  CORRECTED  IN  LIST  OF  LIFE  MEMBERS  LAST  YEAR. 


For  Brown,  Mrs.  Stephen  H.,  Bangor,  read  Brown,  Mrs.  Sophia  H. 
True,  Mrs.  Sarah  Jane,  Bangor,  read  True,  Mrs.  Mary  Jane. 
Abbott,  Miss  Maria,  Mechanic  Falls,  read  Merrill,  Mis?  Maria  H. 
Hodge,  Mrs.  Caroline  S.,  Washington,  read  Hodge,  Mrs.  Caroline  P. 
Keaton,  Isaac,  Washington,  read  Heaton,  Isaac. 
Rawson,  Rev.  C.  N.,  Westbrook,  read  Ransom,  Rev.  C.  X. 
Neven,  Rev.  Robt.,  Missionary  in  So;ith  Africa,  read  Xiven,  Rev.  "obt. 


54:  MAINE   MISSIONARY   SOCIETY. 


CONSTITUTION   OF   THE  M.  M.  SOCIETY, 

III  its  revised  form,  as  adopted  June  23,  1852. 

Article  i.    This  Society  shall  be  called  the  Maine  Missionary  t^ociety. 

Art  II.  The  object  of  this  Society  is  to  extend  the  knowledge  of  God  our  Savior,  and  to  send 
Cue  glorious  gospel  to  those  that  are  destitute  of  the  public  and  stated  means  of  religious 
instruction. 

Art.  III.  This  Society  believe,  and  will  endeavor  to  propagate  those  doctrines,  which  are 
called  the  doctrines  of  grace,  and  use  the  peculiar  doctrin's  of  the  reformation,  and  which  are 
comprehended  in  the  Westminster  Assembly's  shorter  Catechism. 

Art.  IV.  This  Society  shall  be  auxiliary  to  the  American  Home  Jlissionary  Society,  on  the 
conditions  of  the  seventh  and  eighth  articles  of  its  Constitution,  with  the  name  and  under  the 
charter  of  the  Maine  Missionary  Society. 

Art.  v.  The  payment  of  two  dollars  annually  into  the  Treasury  of  the  Society,  shall  constitute 
a  member  of  the  Society,  and  the  payment  of  not  less  than  twenty  dollars  shall  constitute  a 
member  for  life. 

Art.  VI.  The  Officers  of  this  Society  shall  be  a  President,  Vice  President,  Corresponding  and 
Recording  Secretary,  Treasurer,  and  eleven  Trustees,  including  tiie  President,  who  shall  be 
cliosen  at  the  annual  meeting  by  ballot.  The  President  shall  be  ex  officio  a  member  of  the  board 
of  Trustees,  five  of  whom  shall  constitute  a  quorum.  The  othcers  shall  all  continue  in  office 
until  others  are  elected. 

Art.  VII.  The  President  shall  preside  in  the  meetings  of  the  Society  and  of  the  Trustees,  and 
call  special  meetings  of  tlic  board  whenever  requested  by  three  of  its  members.  The  Secretary 
shall  take  charge  of  the  books  and  correspondence  of  the  Society,  and  exhibit  the  records  of  its 
proceedings  at  each  annual  meeting.  The  Treasurer  shall  have  charge  of  the  funds  and  property 
belonging  to  the  Society,  and  siiall  present  annually  a  full  and  accurate  account  of  all  receipts 
and  disbursements.  He  shall  also  give  sufficient  security  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Society  for 
The  faithful  discharge  of  hi'i  trust,  before  he  enters  upon  the  duties  of  his  office.  The 
Trustees  shall  meet  semi-annually,  at  the  time  and  place  of  the  annual  meeting  of  the 
Society,  and  at  such  other  time  and  place  as  they  may  direct.  They  may  adjourn  or  hold  special 
meetings  as  they  think  proper.  They  shall  examine,  employ  and  direct  all  missionaries,  and 
determine  the  place  of  their  location.  They  shall  also  manage  and  dispose  of  the  property  of  the 
Society,  and  have  a  general  f-uperintendence  over  all  its  business.  At  the  annual  meeting  they 
shall  exhibit  to  the  Society  a  particular  statement  of  all  their  proceedings  and  of  the  labors  and 
success  of  their  missionaries. 

Art.  VIII.  The  Society  shall  meet  annually  on  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  June,  at  such  place  as 
they  may  appoint.  At  each  annual  meeting  a  sermon  shall  be  preached,  and  a  collection  taken 
up.    Every  meeting  shall  be  opened  and  closed  with  prayer. 

Art.  IX.  The  constitution  may  be  altered  or  amended  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  members 
present  at  any  annual  meeting;  but  no  such  alteration  or  amendment  shall  be  made  unless  a 
motion  expressing  the  same  in  writing  shall  have  been  made  at  a  previous  meeting  of  the  Society 
■one  year  before  it  is  acted  upon. 


CONSTITUTION.  55 


Art.  X.  The  missionaries  employed  by  tliis  Society  shall  endeavor  faithfully  to  promote  the 
great  interests  of  religion,  by  all  the  means  in  their  power,  and  shall  make  returns  of  their  trans- 
actions to  the  Trustees. 

Art.  XI.  The  funds  of  the  Society  shall  be  raised  from  the  annuities  and  life  memberships  of 
members  and  from  the  voluntary  donations  and  bequests  of  the  charitably  disposed. 

This  Suciety  will  cordially  unite  with  any  other  Societies  established  for  the  promotion  of 
christian  knowledge,  who  ii:ay  be  disposed  to  co-operate  with  them  in  their  designs. 


SEVENTH  AND  EIGHTH  ARTICLES  OF  THE  CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  AMERICAN 
HOWE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 


Article  tii.  Any  Missionarj'  Society  may  become  auxiliary  by  agreeing  to  pay  into  the 
Treasury  of  this  Society  the  whole  of  its  surplus  funds,  and  sending  to  the  Secretaries  for  Cor- 
respondence a  copy  of  its  Constitution  and  Annual  Reports,  mentioning  the  names  of  its  Mission- 
aries and  the  fields  of  their  operations. 

Art.  VIII.  Every  Auxiliary  Society  which  shall  agree  to  pay  the  whole  of  its  funds  to  this 
Society,  shall  be  entitled  to  a  missionary  or  missionaries  to  labor  in  such  tield  as  it  may  desig- 
nate ;  at  least  to  the  amount  of  its  contributions  ;  provided  such  designation  be  made  at  the  time 
9f  payment. 


Th7r^ -^2^7  1855 
'"e  Christian  mim<:trt 


"'Stry  ;  a  work  for  the 


]J012  00036  2386' 


